Bangladesh Air Quality Index (AQI)
Bangladesh ranked 3rd most polluted country in the world in 2024, with a national average PM2.5 of 68 μg/m³ — 14× the WHO guideline. Dhaka consistently ranks among the world's most polluted megacities.
Over 8,000 brick kilns surrounding major cities are a key driver of Bangladesh's air quality crisis, alongside rapid urbanization, vehicle emissions, and seasonal biomass burning.
162
National Avg AQI
2024 annual
68 μg/m³
PM2.5 Average
14× WHO limit
#3
Global Rank
most polluted country
~8,000
Brick Kilns
major pollution source
Air Quality by City
Dhaka
Dhaka Division · Pop. 22M
Unhealthy
Dhaka is one of the world's most densely populated megacities and consistently ranks among the most air-polluted. The dry winter season (Nov–Feb) concentrates pollution from brick kilns surrounding the city and vehicle exhaust trapped by calm winds.
Rajshahi
Rajshahi Division · Pop. 0.8M
Unhealthy
Rajshahi sits near the Barind Tract, a dry elevated terrace prone to wind erosion and dust storms. The city lacks the industrial emission sources of Dhaka or Chittagong but suffers heavily from soil dust, especially in the dry pre-monsoon season (March–May).
Chittagong
Chittagong Division · Pop. 8.5M
Unhealthy (Sensitive)
Bangladesh's largest port city and industrial hub. Chittagong hosts the world's largest ship-breaking yards at Sitakund, releasing toxic metals, asbestos, and particulates. The surrounding industrial zones add significant pollution load.
Sylhet
Sylhet Division · Pop. 0.9M
Moderate
Bangladesh's northeast gateway, relatively cleaner due to proximity to Sylhet Hills and higher rainfall. Natural gas fields in the region contribute some industrial emissions, but overall air quality is notably better than Dhaka or Chittagong.
Understanding Bangladesh's Air Crisis
The brick kiln problem
Bangladesh has approximately 8,000 brick kilns concentrated around Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Chittagong. Traditional Fixed Chimney Bull's Trench Kilns (FCBTK) burn coal inefficiently and release enormous amounts of black carbon and PM2.5. Brick production peaks during the dry season (Nov–May), coinciding with the worst air quality months.
Why Dhaka is so polluted
Dhaka's extreme population density (44,000 people/km²), old vehicle fleet with poor emission controls, year-round construction, and surrounding brick kilns create a perfect pollution storm. The flat Ganges-Brahmaputra delta traps pollutants with little elevation change to drive natural ventilation.
Monsoon relief
Bangladesh's June–September monsoon brings some of the cleanest air in South Asia. Heavy rainfall washes particulates from the air, and stronger winds improve dispersion. Air quality can shift from "Unhealthy" (AQI 150–200) in January to "Moderate" (AQI 50–70) during monsoon months.
Health and economic toll
Air pollution costs Bangladesh an estimated 3–4% of GDP annually in health costs and reduced worker productivity. Dhaka's children have higher rates of chronic cough, reduced lung function, and increased asthma compared to WHO benchmarks. Bangladesh's per capita health expenditure makes clean air technology adoption particularly difficult.
Bangladesh AQI — Seasonal Guide
Nov–Feb
Worst Season
Dry, calm, cold. Brick kilns, crop burning, inversions. AQI 200–400.
Mar–May
Pre-monsoon
Dry winds, dust storms. Moderate-Poor. AQI 100–180.
Jun–Sep
Monsoon
Heavy rain washes air. Best air quality of year. AQI 50–80.
Oct
Transition
Rains taper, brick kilns restart. AQI rising quickly toward 150+.