Health Desk: Air pollution has worsened in Dhaka and several other Bangladeshi cities as the dry season begins. Dhaka’s Air Quality Index was around 164–165 on November 2, BSS reported, placing it in the ‘unhealthy’ category on the US AQI scale.
Department of Environment figures for October 26 showed AQI readings of 163 in Dhaka and Chattogram, 160 in Gazipur and 176 in Narayanganj. Officials pointed to seasonal changes in wind patterns, dust and the resumption of brick-kiln operations as contributors to worsening air quality.
AQI readings can change substantially during the day. Residents should consult updated monitoring rather than treating a single daily figure as permanent, while children, older people and those with respiratory problems may need to limit prolonged exposure during polluted periods.
Source: November 2, 2026. Featured image: illustrative.