The Environment Ministry suggests keeping an eye on the AQI to avoid the worst effects of pollution

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a notice today (December 26) on rising air pollution in Dhaka city and across the country.

The alarming rise in air pollution is contributing to serious health problems, premature deaths and negative impacts on productivity and the economy, the statement said.

The Department of Environment (DoE) continuously monitors air quality through its Air Quality Monitoring Centers and publishes daily Air Quality Index (AQI) updates on its official website.

During the dry season, air quality in Dhaka and surrounding districts often deteriorates from “unhealthy” to “hazardous” levels.

To address this issue, the DoE has urged citizens to check the real-time AQI on its website (http://doe.portal.gov.bd) or access it directly via 180.211.164.219:85.

Additionally, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a public health advisory to be followed if the AQI exceeds 250:

When the AQI is 250 or above, people are recommended to wear masks outdoors, and sensitive people – such as the sick, the elderly or children – should avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. If possible, we recommend using air purifiers indoors.

The press release also said that air pollution in Dhaka and the entire country increases significantly during the dry season from November to March.

During this period, activities such as operation of brick kilns, uncontrolled construction and development works, vehicle emissions, burning of solid fuels such as firewood for cooking, open burning of municipal waste, industrial emissions and open transport of sand, soil and construction materials increase air pollution.

In addition, transboundary air pollution from the northwest of the country accounts for about a third of Dhaka’s air pollution, further exacerbating the overall situation, it said.