Dhaka, the bustling capital city of Bangladesh, is a melting pot of culture, commerce, and population density. However, beneath the surface lies a looming threat to the health and well-being of its residents – air pollution. The city's air quality index (AQI) regularly hits hazardous levels, making it one of the most polluted cities in the world. This article delves into the causes, consequences, and urgent solutions to the air pollution crisis in Dhaka.

There are several sources of air pollution in Dhaka, with transportation, industry, and waste disposal being the primary culprits. The city's transportation sector, comprising old and poorly maintained vehicles, spews high levels of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the air. The industrial sector, particularly textile mills, leather tanneries, and brick kilns, releases toxic emissions that are directly released into the air without treatment or filtration. The construction sector also contributes to air pollution as heavy machinery generates dust and emissions. Lastly, open burning of waste, a prevalent practice in Dhaka, releases harmful pollutants into the air.

Air pollution has severe consequences for public health in Dhaka, with respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, cognitive development, and mental health issues being the most prevalent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Dhaka's air pollution levels exceed safe limits, leading to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The cumulative impact of air pollution affects every aspect of life in Dhaka, from outdoor activities to productivity.

To combat air pollution in Dhaka, urgent solutions are needed from all stakeholders. First, the government needs to invest in public transportation to reduce the number of personal vehicles on the road. Second, promoting cleaner fuels and technologies is essential, such as transitioning to electric vehicles, and stricter regulations should be enforced on industrial and construction activities to ensure emissions are appropriately treated and filtered. Third, there is a need for public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the dangers of air pollution and encourage individual actions such as reducing personal vehicle use and proper waste management.