Breathing in Dhaka: A free pack of cigarettes, daily!
Brick kilns, outdated vehicles puffing out black smoke like relics from the Industrial Revolution, unregulated construction dust, and burning of wastes and seasonal crops all contribute to keeping our air quality firmly in the ‘hazardous’ zone
If you have ever wondered what it is like to smoke an entire pack of cigarettes without ever lighting one — congratulations! You've already experienced it if you live in Dhaka.
According to recent estimates, breathing Dhaka's air can be equivalent to smoking up to 22 cigarettes a day. The World Bank, using a different methodology, puts the number at 1.7 cigarettes per day. Whether it's one or 20, one thing is clear — our lungs are not having a good time.
Air pollution is often seen as unavoidable, but the statistics present a more alarming reality. In 2021, at least 236,000 lives were lost in Bangladesh due to air pollution, according to the fifth edition of the State of Global Air report published in 2024.
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Additionally, exposure to delicate particulate matter (PM2.5) significantly affects public health, reducing the average life expectancy of Bangladeshi residents by 6.8 years. This decline is evident compared to the life expectancy achieved if air quality met the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³.
China's Beijing, once notorious for its smog, took decisive action — banning old vehicles, shifting to cleaner energy, and shutting down thousands of polluting industries. The result? A dramatic 40% reduction in air pollution in just five years. This shows that change is possible. On the other hand, Dhaka seems content with waiting for a miracle.
According to figures compiled by Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir, Chad and Bangladesh were the world's most polluted countries in 2024, with average smog levels more than 15 times higher than WHO guidelines.
Dhaka regularly tops the list of the world's most polluted cities. The urgency of this issue is clear. I'm sure we ask this daily question and promptly forget: Why on Earth is Dhaka's air so bad?
Brick kilns, outdated vehicles puffing out black smoke like relics from the Industrial Revolution, unregulated construction dust, and burning of wastes and seasonal crops all contribute to keeping our air quality firmly in the "hazardous" zone. In winter, it worsens when the pollution gets trapped closer to the ground.
The impact? Well, besides the daily lung workout, air pollution causes over 78,000 premature deaths annually in Bangladesh (Source: The World Bank). Respiratory diseases, heart problems and reduced life expectancy are just the beginning.
But the economic toll is also significant. The cost of this pollution is estimated at over $6.5 billion per year — a staggering amount that could have been spent on infrastructure, healthcare or at least some sidewalks that are not occupied by tea stalls.
China's Beijing, once notorious for its smog, took decisive action — banning old vehicles, shifting to cleaner energy, and shutting down thousands of polluting industries. The result? A dramatic 40% reduction in air pollution in just five years. This shows that change is possible.
However, Dhaka seems content with waiting for a miracle.
The government must implement stricter emissions regulations, promote cleaner public transport, and penalise those violating pollution laws. Since 2 January 2025, the Department of Environment (DoE) has conducted 442 mobile court operations nationwide to address air pollution.
As a result of these efforts, 1,041 cases have been filed, resulting in fines totalling Tk13.78 crore. This fund could be used to improve air quality through initiatives such as tree planting and larger projects aimed at enhancing environmental conditions.
But while we wait for action from the top, we can protect ourselves from harmful pollutants by wearing masks. Additionally, we should harness the power of nature by planting more trees, which serve as our green allies in absorbing toxins and purifying the air. Investing in air purifiers for our homes and workplaces can help create healthier indoor environments.
Furthermore, we can advocate for change by raising awareness, signing petitions, and demanding effective policies — without resorting to blocking traffic, for goodness' sake.
It's almost ironic that Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries. Yet, we are failing to tackle something as essential as clean air. The longer we wait, the more we gamble with our health, economy, and future. It's not just the government's responsibility; it's ours too. So, do we continue suffocating in silence, or do we finally decide to breathe freely?
Shafiq R Bhuiyan is a storyteller who examines the intersection of social progress, effective communication, cultural development, and corporate social responsibility while sharing insights to inspire change.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard
