Bangladesh capital Dhaka ranks 11th among cities with worst air quality

Dhaka ranked 11th among cities with worst air quality worldwide Tuesday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 105 at 10:08 a.m.

AQI level placed Bangladesh’s capital in “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category, meaning children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease could face health risks while most of general public is largely unaffected.

Kuching, Malaysia, topped global list with an AQI of 579, followed by Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at 184, and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, at 167.

AQI readings from 101 to 150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, while readings above 301 are categorized as hazardous.

Bangladesh calculates AQI using particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. Dhaka’s air pollution typically worsens in winter and improves during monsoon season.