Economy
Morning Rainfall brings Moderate Air Quality in Dhaka
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, experienced a temporary relief from its persistent air pollution issues this morning, Thursday (18 May) thanks to rainfall.
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 76 at 9 am, Dhaka’s air quality was classified as “moderate.” This improvement placed Dhaka at the 26th spot on the list of cities with the worst air quality around the world.
The AQI scale categorizes air quality as “good” between 0 and 50, and “moderate” between 50 and 100. To put things into perspective, other cities like Hanoi in Vietnam, Jakarta in Indonesia, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia ranked at the top of the list, with AQI scores of 141, 140, and 126, respectively.
However, it’s important to note that an AQI between 101 and 200 is considered “unhealthy,” particularly for sensitive groups, while a range of 201 to 300 is classified as “poor.” Beyond that, a reading of 301 to 400 is deemed “hazardous,” posing significant health risks to residents.
The AQI serves as an index for reporting daily air quality and is utilized by government agencies to inform the public about the safety or pollution levels in a particular city. It also helps raise awareness about potential health effects associated with air pollution.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution problems, often experiencing a decline in air quality during the winter months and an improvement during the monsoon season. Unfortunately, air pollution consistently ranks as one of the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions to combat this issue.
Overall, while the rain brought a temporary respite and marked Dhaka’s air quality as “moderate” this morning, it remains crucial for authorities and communities to work together in finding long-term strategies to address the ongoing air pollution challenges in the city.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
