Despite the city being nearly empty during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays—with minimal traffic and closed factories—Dhaka’s air quality remained “unhealthy” on Sunday morning (June 8, 2025), with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 150.

According to data from Swiss-based organization IQAir, Dhaka ranked third among the world’s most polluted cities that day. India’s capital, Delhi, topped the list with an AQI of 167, followed by Santiago, Chile, in second place.

Within Dhaka, the most polluted area was Lake Park in Gulshan, with an AQI of 163. Other highly polluted zones included Kallyanpur, Becharam Dewri in Old Dhaka, and the Eastern Housing area of Mirpur.

IQAir issued a health advisory urging residents to wear masks if going outdoors, avoid exercising in open spaces, and keep windows closed.