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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.
A severe heatwave blankets several northern and southern districts, while mild to moderate heat prevails in three divisions and other districts, according to the latest meteorological forecast.
“The severe heatwave affects Rajshahi, Pabna, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jashore, and Patuakhali districts,” the report stated.
Mild to moderate heatwave conditions persist in Dhaka, Rangpur, and Mymensingh divisions, as well as in parts of Rajshahi, Khulna, and Barishal divisions, along with Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Chandpur, and Bandarban districts. The heatwave may extend further, the report added.
Expect rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds in Sylhet division, with isolated hailstorms, as per the weather bulletin valid for the next 24 hours from 9 am today.
Elsewhere across the country, the weather is forecasted to remain mainly dry with occasional partly cloudy skies.
A trough of low pressure lies over West Bengal and the adjoining area.
On Tuesday, the highest temperature recorded was 40.5 degrees Celsius at Ishurdi, while the lowest was 20.7 degrees Celsius at Tetulia.
Daytime temperatures may rise slightly, while nighttime temperatures may drop slightly across the country.
Increased moisture incursion may persist, causing discomfort.
In the capital, the sun sets at 6:24 PM today and rises at 5:29 AM tomorrow.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina embarked on a six-day official visit to Thailand today (24 April) at the invitation of her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin, aiming to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.
Accompanied by her entourage, the premier departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:13 am aboard a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, according to the premier’s Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam.
The aircraft is scheduled to land at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok at 1:30 pm local time.
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, during a media briefing on Monday, highlighted the significance of the visit, stating that it would foster new avenues of cooperation between Bangladesh and Thailand.
This visit marks the premier’s first bilateral engagement since the formation of the current government in January.
During her visit, Sheikh Hasina will engage in bilateral discussions with Thai Prime Minister Thavisin and participate in the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Several cooperation documents are set to be signed, including a letter of intent on negotiations for a free trade agreement, an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders, and various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering energy cooperation and tourism sector collaboration.
The visit will also provide an opportunity to explore the potential Free Trade Agreement between the two countries and address issues such as the Rohingya repatriation process and bilateral cooperation in investment, tourism, energy, and connectivity.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to receive a formal welcome from her Thai counterpart and engage in bilateral talks at the Government House. She will also attend a state lunch hosted by the Thai Prime Minister.
Additionally, the prime minister will have a Royal audience with Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan, King and Queen of Thailand.
In her multilateral engagements, Sheikh Hasina will participate in the 80th Session of ESCAP and deliver a speech, focusing on leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.
The session aims to facilitate region-wide cooperation in utilizing digital innovation to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda.
Bangladesh and Qatar signed 10 cooperation documents on Tuesday, including five agreements and five MoUs, aimed at strengthening ties and elevating relations to new heights.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the signing of the documents.
The five agreements cover cooperation in the legal field, promotion and protection of mutual investments, avoidance of double taxation, maritime transport, and the establishment of a Joint Business Council (JBC) between FBCCI & QCCI.
The five MoUs include cooperation in sports and youth, manpower employment (Labour), diplomatic training, education, higher education, scientific research, and between Qatar Ports management Company “MAWANI QATAR” and Chittagong Ports Authority.
Earlier in the morning, PM Hasina warmly welcomed and received Emir Sheikh Tamim at her office.
They had a tête-à-tête meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, followed by a bilateral meeting.
After signing the visitors’ book, the emir headed for Bangabhaban where the president received him.
A high-level Qatari delegation led by Qatar’s emir is on a state visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of the president and the prime minister.
During the ceremony, a road and a park in Dhaka were named after Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
The park, constructed in Kalshi area of Mirpur under Dhaka North City Corporation, and the road from Mirpur ECB point to Kalsi Fly Over were named after Emir of Qatar.
Now, the road and park are known as Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Avenue and Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Park.
