Desk Report — Dhaka’s air quality dropped to levels considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups” on Tuesday morning, positioning Bangladesh’s capital at the 15th spot on the global air pollution rankings.
According to real-time data released at 10:23 AM by Swiss-based air quality technology company IQAir, Dhaka registered an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 102.
Meanwhile, two prominent Spanish cities—Barcelona and Madrid—featured on the global list of 124 assessed cities with significantly better air condition.
Global Perspective: Spain vs. Dhaka
While Dhaka grapples with elevated pollution levels, major European hubs recorded moderate air quality. Madrid ranked 65th globally with an AQI score of 56, while Barcelona stood at 48th with a score of 64.
Both Spanish cities maintained air quality within acceptable parameters, posing minimal health risks to the general public.
In contrast, Dhaka’s score places it back into a cautionary zone where vulnerable individuals—including children, the elderly, and those suffering from respiratory illnesses—are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure.
Understanding the AQI Standard
The Air Quality Index serves as a critical indicator for communicating daily air safety:
| AQI Score Range | Category / Health Impact |
| 0 – 50 | Good (Minimal impact) |
| 51 – 100 | Moderate / Acceptable |
| 101 – 150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Dhaka’s Current Status) |
| 151 – 200 | Unhealthy |
| 201 – 300 | Very Unhealthy |
| 301+ | Hazardous / Severe Emergency |
Dhaka has long struggled with chronic air pollution, particularly during seasonal shifts and periods of high brick kiln activity, heavy construction, and traffic congestion.
Environmental experts emphasize that consistent monitoring and targeted urban interventions are critical to moving the city’s AQI score back into the moderate or good categories enjoyed by international counterparts.