Is the air quality good in Dhaka?
On November 11, 2025, at 1:15 AM PT, Dhaka, Bangladesh, is experiencing poor air quality, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 200 classified as unhealthy.
These conditions can cause respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, especially for children, the elderly, and those with health vulnerabilities.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Dhaka ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city in the world on Tuesday morning.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Dhaka.
While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Dhaka was 78 µg/m³, equating to an AQI of 162 (“unhealthy”) and was 15.6 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Dhaka, Bangladesh ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city on Nov 11, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Dhaka?
Air quality in Dhaka is expected to remain poor through today and tomorrow, with only minor fluctuations (1).
Hourly air quality forecast for Dhaka, Bangladesh for Nov 11, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Historically, air quality tends to improve during the monsoon season when rainfall helps disperse airborne pollutants (2)(3). However, with the ongoing dry season and increased emissions from urban and industrial activities, significant improvement is not expected in the immediate term.
Air quality map of Dhaka, Bangladesh on Nov 11, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Dhaka?
As of November 11, 2025, Dhaka’s poor air quality is primarily attributed to multiple urban and industrial pollution sources. These include:
- Vehicular emissions: Outdated and poorly maintained vehicles emit large amounts of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, worsening the smog and fine particulate levels.
- Construction activities: Dust and debris from unregulated construction sites contribute heavily to particulate pollution. (4)
- Brick kilns: Hundreds of brick kilns surrounding the city burn low-grade coal or wood, releasing dense smoke and fine particles.
- Industrial emissions: Factories often discharge pollutants without adequate filtration systems, especially in cement and textile production areas. (5)
- Seasonal factors: During the dry season, lack of wind and rainfall allows pollutants to accumulate in the air for extended periods.
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
