Air pollution killed more than 19,000 children under five in Bangladesh in 2021 — nearly two every hour — making it one of the world’s deadliest places for young children, according to a new study by Zero Carbon Analytics.
The report found that children in least developed countries face a 94 times higher risk of dying from air pollution than those in wealthier nations. In Bangladesh, emissions from brick kilns, coal plants, household cooking, and vehicles are driving the crisis.
Experts warned that exposure to smoke from solid fuels increases the risk of low birth weight, infant mortality, and delayed cognitive development. “Clean air is as essential as clean water,” said Dr. Sajid Hossain Khan of the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest & Hospital.
Researchers urged cleaner brick kiln technology and wider access to clean cookstoves, which could prevent 16,000 child deaths annually.