Dhaka ranked 15th among cities with the worst air quality on Saturday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 96 at 9:00am, according to the global AQI ranking.

The air quality was categorized as "moderate," indicating a slight health concern for sensitive individuals, who are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activities. AQI scores between 51 and 100 fall under the "moderate" category, while readings above 100 begin to pose increased health risks.

Topping the list were Delhi (278), Lahore (196), and Kathmandu (183), placing them in the "very unhealthy" and "unhealthy" categories, respectively.

The AQI measures air pollution based on five key pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO?), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO?), and ozone. In Bangladesh, PM2.5—fine particulate matter—is often the most prevalent pollutant, especially during dry winter months when air quality typically worsens. It tends to improve during the monsoon season.

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution contributes to an estimated seven million deaths globally each year, linked to conditions such as stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and lung cancer.

Dhaka continues to battle persistent air pollution, with experts calling for sustained efforts to curb emissions and improve urban air quality for the city’s growing population.