The quality of Dhaka's air has rapidly improved. Dhaka, which usually ranks among top 10 most polluted cities in the world, dropped to 367th position with a score of 87 on the real-time US Air Quality Index (AQI) around 2:07pm on Thursday. The world’s lowest air quality was detected in Delhi which stood at 307.
Bangladesh, one of the most densely-populated countries in the world, has been struggling with air pollution for a long time; and Dhaka continuously ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. Brick kilns, vehicles run on fuel with high levels of sulphur, and construction work have been identified as major sources of air pollution.
The air quality declines during the dry months—from October to April—but improves in the monsoon. The situation is very serious, experts say, pointing out that five of the top 10 causes of death in Bangladesh are related to air pollution.