Despite being the weekend, Dhaka ranked third among cities with the worst air quality on Friday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 162 at 9:50am — classified as “unhealthy.”

According to the AQI, such levels pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups, and reflect ongoing pollution problems in the capital. 

Cities like Baghdad and Kuwait City topped the list with even higher pollution levels.

Experts urge immediate steps to address the city’s deteriorating air, as prolonged exposure increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

MN/