Dhaka recorded the world’s third worst air quality on Friday morning, logging an AQI reading of 235 at 9 am on November 13, 2025.

The level falls in the “very unhealthy” category, indicating a high risk to public health. Residents have been facing deteriorating air conditions for several consecutive days, prompting rising concern across the city.

Delhi topped the list with an AQI of 386, followed by Kolkata at 259—both also in the severely polluted range.

Under the air quality index, a score of 50–100 is considered moderate, 101–150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 150–200 unhealthy, 201–300 very unhealthy, and anything above 301 hazardous, posing severe health threats.

The AQI reflects daily air conditions and helps people understand the health impacts of pollution levels. Bangladesh’s AQI evaluation takes into account five major pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone.

Air pollution has remained a persistent challenge for Dhaka, with conditions typically worsening in winter and improving during the monsoon season.

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution contributes to an estimated seven million deaths globally each year, mainly from heart disease, stroke, COPD, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.