Dhaka Ranks 18th on List of World’s Most Polluted Cities, Dubai Tops

Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka ranked 18th on the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Monday (August 17). According to the air quality index of Swiss-based air quality monitoring organisation IQAir, Dhaka recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 79, which is classified as “moderate.”

According to IQAir data, Dubai topped the list as the world’s most polluted city on the day, with an AQI of 174. Indonesia’s Jakarta ranked second with an index of 163, followed by Doha, Qatar, with 158. Other cities near the top of the list included Delhi in India, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and Lahore in Pakistan.

According to IQAir’s air quality classification, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good,” while 51 to 100 is classified as “moderate.” An index between 101 and 150 is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while 151 to 200 is classified as “unhealthy.” An AQI of 201 to 300 is considered “very unhealthy,” while readings above 301 are categorised as “hazardous.”

IQAir said its air quality index takes into account the levels of several major pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone.

With an AQI of 79, Dhaka’s air is currently classified as “moderate.” However, sensitive individuals should exercise caution when staying outdoors for extended periods or engaging in strenuous physical activity.