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AQI reports, Dhaka Ranks 4th in List of Cities with Worst Air Quality
According to the latest air quality index report (AQI), Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, secured the 4th position on the global list of cities with the most severe air pollution.
With an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 162 recorded at 9:00 am this morning, Dhaka joined the unfortunate ranks of cities battling hazardous air conditions. Topping the list were Lahore in Pakistan and Delhi in India, with both cities scoring an AQI of 190. Shenyang in China followed closely with an AQI of 163.
The AQI scale categorizes air quality levels, and an AQI score between 101 and 150 is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while a score of 151 to 200 falls under the “unhealthy” category. Moving up the scale, an AQI score of 201 to 300 is classified as “very unhealthy,” while a reading above 301 is deemed “hazardous,” posing severe health risks to residents.
The air quality index in Bangladesh is based on the measurement of five criteria pollutants, namely particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3). These pollutants are known to contribute significantly to air pollution and its adverse effects on public health.
Read More: Morning Rainfall brings Moderate Air Quality in Dhaka
Dhaka has been grappling with air pollution issues for a considerable time, and it continues to be a pressing concern. Air pollution consistently ranks as one of the leading risk factors for premature death and disability worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for approximately seven million deaths annually, mainly attributed to increased mortality rates from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.
