During the Eid holidays, the majority of residents in Dhaka have left the city for their ancestral villages, leaving the capital unusually deserted. Traffic congestion, a daily nuisance in the bustling metropolis, has virtually disappeared, and the roads are nearly empty. Yet, despite the reduced vehicular activity, the air quality in Dhaka has shown little improvement. On Sunday morning, the city’s air remained at unhealthy levels.
According to data released at 8:00 am on 22 March by the international air pollution monitoring organisation IQAir, Dhaka’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 165, categorised as “unhealthy.” In comparison with other major cities worldwide, the rankings based on AQI are as follows:
| Rank | City | Country | AQI | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delhi | India | 193 | Unhealthy |
| 2 | Beijing | China | 178 | Unhealthy |
| 3 | Incheon | South Korea | 174 | Unhealthy |
| 4 | Dhaka | Bangladesh | 165 | Unhealthy |
| 5 | Mumbai | India | 158 | Unhealthy |
IQAir AQI Classification:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Moderate / Acceptable
- 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- 151–200: Unhealthy
- 201–300: Very unhealthy
- 301+: Hazardous
Meanwhile, cities in the United States enjoy some of the healthiest air globally. Denver recorded an AQI of 39, and Chicago 42, both considered “good” levels.
The persistent air pollution in Dhaka is primarily driven by vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial discharges, and meteorological conditions. Even with traffic reduced during the holiday, dust and other pollutants continue to affect air quality. Vulnerable populations—including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions—remain at elevated risk.
Health experts urge residents to continue protective measures despite the emptier streets. Wearing masks outdoors, limiting prolonged exposure, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity are recommended. Long-term solutions suggested include extensive tree plantation, stricter control on vehicular emissions, and tighter regulation of industrial pollutants to prevent recurring unhealthy conditions.
In essence, while Dhaka’s roads may be unusually clear this Eid, the air offers no relief. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant about their health and take appropriate precautions, as the festive calm does not translate to safer breathing conditions.