Dhaka Air quality today

Why is the air worst from November to March?

PM2.5 means tiny particles in the air, small enough to reach deep into the lungs. A study of 2016 to 2021 data from the US Embassy in Dhaka found PM2.5 is highest in winter and lowest in the monsoon ^[1]. The highest monthly average, 180 to 210 µg/m³, always came in January ^[1].

In winter there is little or no rain to wash particles out of the air ^[1]. Winds are lighter, and the layer of air that mixes the pollution is shallow and still, so it builds up ^[1]. At night it is shallower still, and night levels are higher than daytime levels ^[1].

Brick kilns in Bangladesh run only from November to March, adding smoke in the same months ^[1]. A Stamford University professor who studied eight years of Dhaka data said in 2024 that about 65 to 70 percent of the yearly air pollution occurs from November to March ^[5].

Where does Dhaka's pollution come from?

A World Bank study found three main kinds of polluted places in Dhaka: those with persistent traffic, with major construction and traffic, and with brick kilns ^[2]. The highest PM2.5 levels were at sites with major construction and traffic, followed by brick kilns ^[2].

Estimates of each source's share differ. In 2024, an air quality director at the Department of Environment cited a 2021 to 2022 World Bank study that put brick kilns at 13 to 15 percent, construction at 11 percent and vehicles at 5 percent ^[5]. He said he believed vehicle emissions are higher ^[5]. An estimate from Stamford University's Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies put construction at 51 percent, industry and brick kilns at 29 percent and vehicles at 16 percent ^[5].

Some of the pollution blows in from outside the country. A 2023 modelling study estimated that emissions outside Bangladesh account for about half of Dhaka's yearly PM2.5 ^[1]. Its authors say this is one of several possible estimates and may be an upper limit ^[1].

How bad is it compared with other places?

In IQAir's report on 2025, Bangladesh was the second most polluted country, with an average PM2.5 level of 66.1 µg/m³ ^[4]. That is more than 13 times the World Health Organization's guideline ^[4]. Dhaka averaged 68 µg/m³, down from 78 in 2024 and 80.2 in 2023 ^[3]. In 2025, Dhaka had at least two months above 100 µg/m³ ^[4].

From 2016 to 2021, yearly averages at the US Embassy were about 80 to 98 µg/m³ ^[1]. In November 2024, Dhaka had 12 days rated unhealthy and 13 rated very unhealthy, and only one moderate day ^[6].

How does the pollution affect health?

The World Bank's Breathing Heavy study estimated that air pollution caused 78,145 to 88,229 deaths in Bangladesh in 2019 ^[2]. From 2009 to 2019, it was the country's second strongest risk factor for death and disability ^[2].

Near major construction sites in Dhaka, average PM2.5 exposure was 150 percent above the WHO's 24-hour guideline of 15 µg/m³ ^[2]. Older people, young children and people with diabetes, heart or lung disease were found to be most at risk ^[2].

What is being done about it?

From January 2 to July 10, 2025, the Department of Environment ran 1,191 mobile courts across Bangladesh ^[7]. It demolished the chimneys of 483 illegal brick kilns and ordered 216 more to close ^[7]. The drives also targeted black smoke from unfit vehicles and polluting industries ^[7].

In November 2024, Dhaka North City Corporation said it waters major roads in the mornings and evenings to keep dust down, and Dhaka South planned to start ^[5]. Both said they fine people who leave construction materials uncovered ^[5].

How to protect yourself in Dhaka

On days with high particle pollution, pay attention to local air quality reports and alerts ^[8]. Avoid strenuous or long work or exercise outdoors ^[8].

Indoors, keep windows and doors closed unless it is very hot, and keep any fresh-air intake closed ^[8]. Air cleaners can help lower indoor particles, but do not use one that makes ozone ^[8]. Avoid frying, candles and anything that burns indoors ^[8].

If you need to be outside, a mask only protects you if it filters very small particles and fits well. Surgical masks and cloth face coverings give far less protection, or none ^[8].