National
Dhaka Ranks 1st for Worst Air Quality
In a concerning revelation, Dhaka has secured the top position globally for the worst air quality, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 274 at 9 am on Wednesday morning. The air in Dhaka was categorized as ‘very unhealthy,’ raising serious health concerns for its residents.
Following Dhaka, Shenyang in China, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, and Wuhan in China claimed the second, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 194, 176, and 169, respectively.
The AQI classifies air quality based on particle pollution, where a value between 101 and 150 is deemed ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ 150 to 200 is ‘unhealthy,’ 201 to 300 is ‘very unhealthy,’ and a reading above 301 is considered ‘hazardous,’ posing severe health risks.
The AQI serves as an informative index, detailing the daily air quality and the potential health effects associated with it. In Bangladesh, the AQI is determined by five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka has long grappled with air pollution issues, especially worsening during the winter and showing improvement during the monsoon. The latest data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address and mitigate the city’s persistent air quality challenges.
The Kazipara and Mirpur-10 metro stations, which have been closed, are expected to reopen by the end of September, though the exact date has not yet been confirmed. Mohammad Abdur Rauf, Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), told TBS that a technical team has been tasked with resolving the issues at the stations.
“We are working to reopen the two stations within this month, but I cannot give a specific launch date yet. We will hold a meeting with the technical team and other stakeholders soon to review the progress. A decision is likely on 18 September,” Rauf said.
He noted that Kazipara station is likely to open earlier due to less severe damage, while Mirpur-10 may face delays as it requires machinery that needs to be imported.
Additionally, Rauf mentioned plans to begin metro rail operations on Fridays starting from 20 September, with efforts being made to meet this timeline.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has begun an operation to remove battery-run rickshaws from the streets of Dhaka in an effort to reduce traffic congestion.
Sergeant Mohammad Farhad of DMP’s Ramna Traffic Division explained that despite a ban on main roads, battery-operated rickshaws have continued to operate, causing significant traffic jams over the past few days.
“We are initially requesting drivers not to use the main roads. If they don’t follow our instructions, we will seize the vehicles,” Farhad said.
The move has been well-received by local residents and pedestrians. Tahmina Trisha, a resident of Dhanmondi, expressed her support, saying, “The main roads should be free of battery-driven rickshaws. We’re grateful to the police for finally taking action.”
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, has announced the formation of six commissions as an initial step toward reforms, including constitutional amendments. These commissions are expected to begin operations on 1 October and complete their work within three months.
In an address to the nation on Wednesday evening (11 September) from the Chief Adviser’s Office, Yunus outlined the government’s reform agenda. This is his second national address since taking office on 8 August.
Yunus explained that the formation of the six commissions is the first step in a broader plan for constitutional reform. He stated that the commissions would be led by six distinguished citizens, selected based on their expertise. These commissions will tackle various reform areas, and more will be established in the future.
Emphasizing the importance of constitutional reforms for free and fair elections, Yunus stated, “We believe that imposing majority rule through elections, resulting in misgovernance or consolidating all power into the hands of one person, family, or group, is unacceptable. To prevent this, we are considering reforms to institutions like the Election Commission and others involved in the election process. Reforming the police administration, civil service, judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Commission is essential for ensuring fair and transparent elections. These reforms will also contribute to establishing a state system based on public ownership, accountability, and welfare.”
Yunus announced the names of the six commission heads:
- Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar will lead the Election System Reform Commission.
- Sarfaraz Chowdhury will head the Police Administration Reform Commission.
- Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman will lead the Judiciary Reform Commission.
- Dr. Iftekharuzzaman will lead the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission.
- Abdul Muid Chowdhury will head the Public Administration Reform Commission.
- Dr. Shahdeen Malik will lead the Constitutional Reform Commission.
The Chief Adviser mentioned that the other members of these commissions would be determined in consultation with the heads. Additionally, representatives from the advisory council, students, workers, social movements, civil society, and political parties will participate in the commissions’ discussions.
Yunus expressed hope that the commissions would be fully operational by 1 October and complete their work within three months. Based on the commissions’ reports, the government plans to organize consultations with major political parties. A broad consultation, lasting three to seven days, involving students, civil society, political party representatives, and the government will follow. This consultation will finalize the reform framework and outline its implementation strategy.
Yunus concluded by stating that this initiative will unify the nation, fulfilling the demands of the July uprising and strengthening the country with renewed hope and optimism.
