Dhaka ranked as the world’s most polluted city on Wednesday morning, according to data from international air quality monitoring organization IQAir.

The Bangladeshi capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 310, placing it at the top of the global pollution list. An AQI score within the 301–400 range is considered “hazardous,” indicating a serious health risk for residents.

Pakistan’s Lahore ranked second with an AQI score of 225, while India’s Kolkata secured the third position with a score of 194. India’s capital Delhi recorded 184, placing fourth, and China’s Beijing ranked fifth with an AQI score of 177.

Air quality experts warn that such high pollution levels pose significant health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with existing illnesses. In these conditions, residents are advised to stay indoors as much as possible.

According to the AQI scale, a score of 0–50 is considered good, 51–100 moderate, 101–150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 unhealthy, 201–300 very unhealthy, and 301–400 hazardous.

Experts say prolonged exposure to polluted air can increase the risk of respiratory diseases, heart problems, and other serious health conditions. They emphasize the need for urgent and effective measures to address the worsening air pollution in major cities.

TDD/SHS