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Dhaka’s air quality getting worse

Let not pollution reduce our average life expectancy


Bangladeshpost
Published : 25 Jan 2021 08:23 PM | Updated : 26 Jan 2021 12:57 AM

It is alarming to note that Dhaka has been continuously ranking among the five most polluted cities in the world for the last  two months.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the air in the city was classified as “very unhealthy” and even “hazardous” in the last few days. Earlier on Wednesday, Dhaka reached the top position in the pollution level among all the cities in the world. 

Reportedly, Dhaka was number one in air pollution at least once a week in the last two months. Such a severe air quality rating for Dhaka should force the authorities concerned towards a decisive shift in policy.


Authorities concerned should devise immediate 

actions and reinforce its monitoring system for

 minimising dust emissions on construction sites


Air pollution has become a public health concern in Dhaka. One does not need to study environmental science to understand Dhaka’s environmental perils that have been gravely affecting this heaving capital over the years. It is worth mentioning that the current level of air pollution is responsible for the surge in various diseases like lung problems, cancer, respiratory troubles etc.

It needs no emphasizing that Dhaka’s toxic air is made worse by countless unregulated construction sites and the production of bricks and concrete to feed them. Considering the situation, authorities concerned should devise urgent actions and reinforce its monitoring system for minimizing dust emissions on construction sites. 

We must formulate and implement necessary laws to compel the builders and constructors to build roads and buildings following rules and regulations. Last but not least, policymakers and all the stakeholders should understand and underscore the need for formulating new policies and integrating new measures to improve  Dhaka’s toxic air.