Dhaka ranked 46th among cities with the worst air quality on Thursday morning (June 12, 2025), recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 69 at 10:01am, according to air quality monitoring data.

The capital’s air was classified as ‘moderate’, indicating a slight health concern, especially for sensitive individuals. An AQI score between 51 and 100 generally suggests that air quality is acceptable, though those with respiratory conditions or other vulnerabilities may consider reducing prolonged outdoor activities.

In contrast, Milan, Italy, was ranked sixth on the list with a significantly higher AQI score of 133, falling under the category ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’. The top three most polluted cities on Thursday were Lahore (Pakistan) with an AQI of 177, Baghdad (Iraq) at 168, and Delhi (India) at 165.

The AQI is a global tool used to report daily air quality levels, helping residents understand how clean or polluted the air is and what health risks may be associated. Bangladesh’s AQI measurements are based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO?), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO?), and ozone (O?).

Air pollution has been a long-standing issue in Dhaka. The city`s air typically deteriorates during the dry winter months and sees improvement with the arrival of the monsoon season.

Globally, air pollution remains a severe health threat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it causes an estimated seven million deaths each year, primarily due to strokes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.