Pollution drops as Dhaka quiets during Eid break, traffic moves freely

Dhaka residents have a chance to catch their breath during the Eid-ul-Fitr break as the capital's typical congestion and pollution gave way to a few quieter days.

The typical exhaustion caused by the relentless rush of people and traffic has eased, with clear roads, closed factories, and a touch of rain offering a touch of comfort.

At the start of the holiday period, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police estimated that around 1.5 to 2 million people were leaving the city daily to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families, with numbers rising to nearly 10 million by Eid day.

With more than 20 million residents travelling out of the capital or heading to tourist destinations, Dhaka seems much emptier than normal for the bustling metropolis.

The sharp drop in both population and traffic has reduced air and noise pollution significantly.

Roads that are normally gridlocked are now largely free of congestion, and the air is clear of the usual blaring of horns.

This shift has significantly boosted the city’s air quality. According to IQAir, an international air quality technology firm, Dhaka’s atmosphere reached an "acceptably healthy" level on Sunday.

At 11:45am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 81. Paltan recorded 83, Savar 84, Azimpur 88 and Tongi 92.

Under IQAir’s classification, readings between 51 and 100 are considered moderate, while higher levels indicate worsening air quality.

Dhaka’s air remains polluted for much of the year, with winter months seeing the worst conditions, though rainfall typically brings some relief during the monsoon season.

By Sunday afternoon, AQI levels rose slightly as more people travelled out of doors across parts of the city.

According to the Department of Environment, real-time data showed the AQI at 117 at 7pm on Sunday.

Outside the capital, Rajshahi recorded the highest AQI at 125, followed by Cumilla at 112. Agrabad in Chattogram stood at 75, Sylhet at 70, Mymensingh at 81, Narsingdi at 65 and Savar at 31.

The Department of Environment data shows that Dhaka’s AQI averaged between 109 and 154 in the week leading up to the Eid holidays.

Air quality is measured through concentrations of particulate matter, including PM10 and PM2.5, alongside gases such as sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone.

Air quality expert and Department of Environment Additional Director General Ziaul Haque said rainfall helps improve air quality as it brings down fine particles, while brick kilns shut and waste burning declines.

He added that cleaner air also flows in from the Bay of Bengal during this period.

Haque said with factories closed, fewer vehicles on roads and recent rain, air quality has improved, though conditions may change once the holiday ends.

Traffic Relief on Empty Roads

With fewer motorcycles, CNG-run autorickshaws, public transport and long-distance vehicles on the roads, traffic management has also become easier at key intersections.

At Purana Paltan, one of the city’s busiest junctions, a single police officer was seen managing traffic with ease on Sunday, compared with the usual need for a group.

Officer Ismail Alam Sabuj said only a handful of buses were running and signals were often unnecessary as drivers navigated on their own, adding that his focus was on preventing accidents.

A similar picture emerged at Mohakhali Bus Terminal, where buses were leaving without the usual need for additional guidance from helpers.

Battery Rickshaws Dominate Roads

Battery-powered rickshaws were the most visible vehicles on the quieter streets, moving freely beyond narrow lanes onto major roads.

Rickshaw driver Hamidur Rahman said he stays in Dhaka during Eid for higher earnings, noting that passengers often give tips during the holiday.

He said daily income can reach Tk 4,000 to Tk 5,000, compared to Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,500 on regular days.

Eid Tips Compensate for Passenger Shortage

Bus drivers are also benefiting from smoother roads despite fewer passengers. Journeys from Motijheel’s Shapla Chattar to Gazipur’s Chowrasta are now taking about an hour, down from the usual two-and-a-half hours.

Driver Abdur Rahim of Gazipur Paribahan said driving is more comfortable but passenger numbers are lower, adding that tips during Eid help offset the shortfall. He said drivers who earlier struggled to complete three round trips a day are now managing four to six.

The same trend has been seen on routes linking Jatrabari with Gabtoli, Savar, Narsingdi, Mirpur and New Market.

The situation is expected to shift from Monday afternoon as people begin returning to Dhaka, with offices reopening from Tuesday.