B.Mirror Desk: Even the capital’s affluent residential areas are no longer free from the risks of air pollution. Due to a combination of dust from construction work, black smoke from vehicles, the burning of waste, and polluted air drifting in from surrounding areas, air quality in neighborhoods like Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Dhanmondi has reached unhealthy levels. Experts warn that if this trend of pollution persists, the environmental appeal that makes these areas attractive for living and business could diminish.
As of yesterday evening, the air quality index (AQI) for Dhaka—as measured by the Swiss-based organization IQAir—stood at 164, a level classified as “unhealthy.” At that time, Dhaka ranked third among the world’s most polluted cities, trailing only Kuwait City and Kolkata.
According to local monitoring by IQAir, the highest level of pollution in Dhaka was recorded near the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) in Agargaon, where the AQI reached 186.
Baridhara Park Road ranked second in terms of pollution, with an index of 168. Other recorded scores included 167 at Pragati Sarani (Badda) and Becharam Deuri; 161 in Baridhara Lakeside and Dhanmondi; 160 at Gulshan Lake Park; 156 at Eastern Housing in Banani; and 151 near Grace International School in Gulshan-2. Consequently, all these areas experienced “unhealthy” air quality.
On the air quality index, a score of 0–50 is considered “good,” 51–100 is “moderate,” and 101–150 is “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Scores between 151 and 200 are classified as “unhealthy,” 201–300 as “very unhealthy,” and any score above 300 is considered “hazardous.” For most of the year, the air in Dhaka remains polluted due to construction activities, road dust, vehicle emissions, and various other human-induced factors. This pollution is not confined solely to densely populated or low-income areas; even the capital’s well-planned, affluent neighborhoods are not spared from its impact.
According to experts, pollution in areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi stems from both local sources and neighboring areas. Smoke from cooking on earthen stoves or burning waste in the Korail slum can drift into the Gulshan-Banani vicinity. Similarly, polluted air from Kamrangirchar has the potential to spread as far as Dhanmondi. Furthermore, dust generated by ongoing excavation and construction work along Pragati Sarani can degrade air quality in Baridhara. Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Professor of Environmental Science at Stamford University Bangladesh, explains that there are geographical and environmental reasons why air pollution persists in affluent, lake-adjacent neighborhoods. High levels of humidity and water vapor in the air above these water bodies prevent dust and smoke particles from dispersing easily; instead, these particles bind with the water vapor, become heavier, and remain trapped in the air.
He further notes that during winter, temperature inversions—where cooler air settles near the ground while warmer air sits above—create conditions that trap pollutants. This acts as a lid, preventing vehicle emissions and dust from rising and dispersing, causing them to accumulate in the lower atmosphere.
Dr. Mohammad Enayet Hossain, an Associate Professor in the Department of Soil, Water and Environment at the University of Dhaka, points out that the high density of tall buildings in areas like Gulshan and Banani plays a significant role in exacerbating air pollution.
According to him, the close proximity of these high-rise structures obstructs the natural flow of air. In scientific terms, this phenomenon is known as the “urban canyon effect.” When smoke and emissions from vehicles and nearby informal settlements (slums) become trapped between buildings, the air cannot easily disperse them. Consequently, pollutants remain concentrated near the ground, exacerbating local air pollution levels.
Barrister Omar Sadat, President of the Gulshan Society, identifies exhaust from private vehicles as a major contributor to air pollution in Gulshan and Banani. He emphasizes the urgent need to take action against vehicles that are unfit for the road or emit excessive black smoke.
According to him, a large number of such unfit, high-emission vehicles continue to operate on Dhaka’s roads. Addressing this requires not only effective enforcement against these vehicles but also curbing corruption within the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
Meanwhile, stakeholders point out that construction activities are a significant source of dust. They allege that even when protective measures to control dust are planned for construction sites, they are often not implemented properly. Although laws and regulations mandate such measures, their practical enforcement remains weak.
Shawkat Ali Bhuiyan (Dilon), President of the Banani Society, notes that extensive construction work is underway in the Gulshan-Banani area. In developed nations, multi-layered protective measures are employed to control dust during construction. While such laws exist in Bangladesh, their proper implementation is essential.
He further adds that pollution originating from the Korail slum also impacts the environment of the surrounding areas. Improving the quality of life for the residents of these settlements—by providing essential civic amenities such as hospitals and hygienic markets—is also necessary.
Ensuring proper facilities is essential. At the same time, the two city corporations must implement effective directives to put an end to the burning of waste.
According to him, it is possible to improve air quality across the entire capital—including areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi—through the coordinated efforts of various agencies.
Siddhartha Shankar Kundu, Deputy Secretary (Environmental Pollution Control-1) at the Ministry of Environment, stated that the government is carrying out ongoing activities to control air pollution. A committee has also been tasked with addressing this issue. In the committee’s upcoming meeting, these matters will be reviewed in detail to determine future policies and necessary courses of action.