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Editorial

Dust pollution: A silent public health emergency

Polluters must be held to account


Bangladeshpost
Published : 22 Feb 2020 08:17 PM | Updated : 06 Sep 2020 09:27 AM

People residing in various areas in the capital are exposed to nightmarish experiences as they have been facing environmental hazards for long due to dust pollution.  It needs no emphasizing that Dhaka’s inherently dusty air is made worse by countless unregulated construction sites – and the production of bricks and concrete to feed them.  

Dust pollution has turned into a major public health concern in the capital and because of construction work going on the year round there is no sign of the situation improving any time soon. Health experts warn of long-term respiratory diseases as well as serious health problems due to dust pollution unless city environment is made cleaner.


In Dhaka, dust pollution should be a key issue that 

authorities concerned must address in the sphere 

of sustainable construction, indeed not only for the 

sake of environment, but also public health


However, It is good news that in the wake of the recent increase in air and dust pollution, the government is going to take special measures to save the city dwellers from the harmful impact of the pollution in the capital. Reportedly, as part of the move, the local government ministry has planned to purchase about 47 sweeping machines for the two city corporations in Dhaka -- 34 for Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and 13 for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), sources said.. 

Previously, there were some air pollution hotspots in Dhaka. But in the recent years, such areas have widened to almost the entire city as roads see traffic jams throughout every working day. The situation becomes worse due to some ongoing mega projects

In Dhaka, dust pollution should be a key issue that authorities concerned must address in the sphere of sustainable construction, indeed not only for the sake of environment, but also public health. Necessary laws should immediately be implemented to compel the builders, constructors, and construction workers to build roads and buildings following rules and regulations. 

There is much that we can do to improve air quality, but we must all play our part. No person, group, city, country or region can solve the problem alone. We need strong commitments and actions from everyone: government, Policy makers, civil society, the private sector and even the individual. There is no denying that It will take time and endurance but we all have a critical role to play.