Dhaka ranked 13th among the world's cities with the worst air quality this morning (November 2, 2025), recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 97 at 9:30 a.m., according to data from the Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring system.
The city's air was classified as 'moderate,' posing a light health risk for sensitive groups. This level of air quality has persisted for the past several days.
An AQI reading between 50 and 100 is considered moderate, while 101-150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is unhealthy, 201-300 is very unhealthy, and readings above 301 are classified as hazardous, carrying serious health risks.
In comparison, Delhi (India) topped the list with an AQI of 446, followed by Lahore (Pakistan) at 339, and Shanghai (China) at 208.
The AQI measures the concentration of key pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃).
Dhaka has long struggled with poor air quality, which typically worsens during the winter months and improves in the monsoon season.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million deaths globally each year, primarily due to increased risks of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses.