In 9 years, Dhaka residents breathed clean air for only 31 days

The findings are based on an analysis of the city’s air quality index, collected from the US Embassy

Over the past nine years, residents of Dhaka have breathed clean air for only 31 days, equivalent to just 1 percent of the time, according to a new study by the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS).

Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of CAPS, shared the findings on Tuesday during a press conference titled “Measures to Control Air Pollution”, held at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity to mark Earth Day 2025. The event was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and CAPS.

Kamruzzaman said the information was obtained from an analysis of nine years’ worth of air quality index (AQI) data between 2016 and 2024, sourced from the US Embassy in Dhaka.

“In the past nine years, Dhaka’s residents experienced 624 days, or 17 percent of moderate air quality, 878 days, or 28 percent of air unhealthy for sensitive groups, and unhealthy air for 853 days, or 27 percent of the time,” he said.

During that period, the air quality was very unhealthy for 635 days, or 21 percent of the time, and hazardous for 93 days, or 3 percent of the time.

According to the analysis, there were only two days of good air quality in 2024, and 35 days of extremely poor air quality.

“During the past nine years, 2021 and 2023 saw the highest number of days with very unhealthy air. In total, Dhaka residents breathed clean air on only 31 days, just one percent of the total time.”

Citing the research data, he continued: “There were 86 days with very unhealthy air in 2021 and 133 days in 2023. However, 2023 also recorded 14 days of extremely unhealthy or hazardous air, which is more than any other year. 2024 saw this number rise to 35 days out of 366.”

The press conference also highlighted the importance of renewable energy in combating air pollution. A report circulated at the event noted that renewable energy could be an effective solution to the severe issue of air pollution.

Renewable sources of energy, such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass are environmentally friendly and reusable. These sources not only reduce air pollution compared to fossil fuels but also play a crucial role in maintaining environmental balance.

“Burning fossil fuels increases carbon dioxide levels, which contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Switching to renewable energy could bring carbon emissions down to almost zero,” explained the CAPS chairman.

“Solar panels and wind turbines directly use natural energy to produce electricity. Compared to fossil fuels, these are more efficient and cost-effective in the long run. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels in electricity generation is a viable way to reduce air pollution,” he added.

Eight proposals for controlling air pollution were presented at the press conference:

1. Phasing out unfit and expired vehicles that pollute the air, and increasing the use of electric and hybrid vehicles.

2. Taking effective measures to boost the production and use of block bricks as an alternative to fired bricks that add to air pollution.

3. Making the practice of burning waste obsolete, setting up systems for generating electricity with it.

4. Gradually reducing the use of fossil fuel in generating electricity, transportation, industry, and household sectors.

5. Amending existing energy policies, including the IEPMP, and enacting a Clean Air Act.

6. Setting emission standards for power generation and industrial sectors in line with global standards, and ensuring its strict enforcement.

7. Increasing investment in solar, wind, hydropower, and biogas projects, with a focus on research and development.

8. Ensuring the use of green energy instead of fossil fuels in rural areas to reduce indoor air pollution.

BAPA President Nur Mohammad Talukder presided over the press conference, which was moderated by General Secretary Alamgir Kabir.