Air pollution is silently wreaking havoc in Bangladesh, posing severe threats to public health and quality of life. While Dhaka often ranks as one of the most polluted cities globally, Chattogram is catching up fast. The dry winter weather, broken roads, and constant construction activities are creating unbearable levels of dust and pollution. This is putting the lives of citizens in danger, with health risks increasing day by day.

Doctors warn that air pollution can trigger numerous diseases, including lung problems, cancer, and heart issues. Research shows that around 80,000 to 100,000 people in Bangladesh die annually due to air pollution. The main contributors to this silent killer include industrial emissions, unplanned urbanization, vehicular smoke, and construction dust.

This article explores the devastating impact of air pollution in Bangladesh, its causes and what steps we can take to combat this growing crisis.

Causes of Air Pollution in Bangladesh

1. Unplanned Urbanization

Unregulated urban growth has become a significant contributor to air pollution. In many cities, construction projects are carried out without proper planning. Roads are dug up, buildings are constructed, and repairs are made, releasing massive amounts of dust into the air. These activities are often conducted without measures to minimize dust or pollution.

2. Industrial Pollution

Factories and industries emit harmful gases and particles into the atmosphere. Improper waste disposal and outdated technology in industries worsen air quality further, especially in industrial zones. The lack of regulations or enforcement in industrial sectors has led to severe air contamination.

3. Vehicular Emissions

The black smoke from old and poorly maintained vehicles adds significant pollutants to the air. Traffic congestion, combined with outdated engines and dirty fuel, makes the situation worse. The lack of emission control measures and widespread use of fossil fuels are major contributors to air pollution in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram.

4. Construction Dust

Massive construction activities, including roadworks, flyover projects, and building constructions, release an excessive amount of dust particles. This dust settles in the air and leads to respiratory issues for city residents. The problem becomes more severe when construction sites do not follow environmental guidelines to minimize dust generation.

5. Dry Weather Conditions

Winter’s dry weather worsens air pollution. Dust particles stay suspended in the air for long periods due to the lack of moisture. This makes breathing more difficult and increases health risks for vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.

Health Risks of Air Pollution

Air pollution does not just harm the environment. It directly threatens human health. Some of the most common health problems caused by pollution include:

• Lung Diseases: Exposure to polluted air can cause chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma and bronchitis. Prolonged exposure can lead to irreversible damage to the lungs.
• Heart Diseases: Polluted air can lead to cardiovascular problems. It can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Cancer: Long-term exposure to harmful particles in polluted air can cause various cancers, especially lung cancer.
• Reduced Life Expectancy: Studies by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute show that air pollution has reduced the average life expectancy in Bangladesh by seven years. In Dhaka, the figure rises to eight years.

Alarming Statistics

Recent studies highlight the shocking impact of air pollution in Bangladesh:

• Around 80,000 to 100,000 deaths occur annually due to air pollution.
• Bangladeshis are among the most at-risk populations in the world for air pollution.
• In areas with high industrial activity and constant construction, air pollution levels are dangerously high.
• Life expectancy in heavily polluted areas is significantly lower compared to regions with better air quality.

A Nationwide Problem

The air pollution crisis is not confined to Dhaka or Chattogram. It is a national issue that affects both urban and rural areas. Key pollution hotspots include:

• Industrial Zones: Areas with factories, such as Savar, Narayanganj, and Gazipur, face dangerously high levels of air pollution.
• Construction Sites: Ongoing flyover and road repair projects generate enormous amounts of dust and airborne particles.
• Transport Hubs: Bus terminals, launch terminals, and ferry ghats experience high levels of pollution from vehicle exhaust and dust.

Air pollution is no longer limited to major cities. Smaller towns and rural areas near industrial zones are also grappling with this problem.

Solutions to Combat Air Pollution

To reduce air pollution, everyone must act responsibly, and the government must take strong measures. Here are some effective solutions:

1. Planned Urban Development

The government should prioritize planned urbanization to minimize the impact of construction projects. Ensuring strict regulations for construction work can significantly reduce dust and pollution. Urban areas must adopt better waste management systems to control pollution.

2. Promoting Afforestation

Planting more trees can act as a natural filter for polluted air. Forests and green spaces play a vital role in improving air quality. Government-led initiatives for large-scale afforestation could help mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution.

3. Upgrading Industries

Industries must adopt modern, environmentally friendly technologies to limit harmful emissions. Strict monitoring and penalties for violations can encourage compliance. Incentives for green technologies could also encourage industries to reduce pollution.

4. Regulating Vehicle Emissions

Introducing stricter policies for vehicle maintenance and encouraging the use of cleaner fuels can reduce pollution from vehicles. Shifting to electric vehicles and promoting public transport could be long-term solutions.

5. Raising Public Awareness

Awareness campaigns can educate people about the dangers of air pollution. People need to understand how their actions, like burning waste or using inefficient vehicles, contribute to the problem. Simple steps, like avoiding open burning and using cleaner alternatives, can make a significant impact.

A Call to Action for a Cleaner Bangladesh

Air pollution is a silent killer that reduces quality of life and life expectancy in Bangladesh. Unplanned urbanization, industrial emissions, vehicular smoke, and construction dust make the air increasingly toxic. The dry winter weather only worsens this crisis.

However, this problem is not beyond our control. By promoting planned urbanization, afforestation, and cleaner technologies, we can significantly reduce air pollution. Public awareness and government initiatives are key to combating this crisis.

Let’s act now to ensure cleaner air for a healthier Bangladesh. Together, we can make a difference. Every breath matters—so it’s time to take action.

Safinatun Jahan
Student, Dept. of Journalism and Media Studies,
Port City International University.