Capital city in Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Air quality in Dhaka
Severely polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Dhaka was 86 µg/m³ in 2019, about 17.2 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Often among the world's most polluted cities; PM2.5 is worst Nov–Mar from kilns, traffic and construction dust. Wear an N95 outdoors.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 86 µg/m³ yearly average (2019). Measured at Dhaka.
- Worst months: Nov–Mar.
- Recent average: 80.4 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2016 | |
| 2015 | |
| 2014 | |
| 2013 |
Quick answers
Is the air in Dhaka bad?
Severely polluted: 86 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 17.2× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Nov–Mar.
When is the air worst in Dhaka?
Often among the world's most polluted cities; PM2.5 is worst Nov–Mar from kilns, traffic and construction dust. Wear an N95 outdoors.
How does Dhaka compare with the rest of Bangladesh?
People in Bangladesh breathe 69 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 86 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Dhaka
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Dhaka Mass Transit Company (MRT)
- Bangladesh e-Visa portal
- Evercare Hospital Dhaka
Annual averages are measured values reported to the WHO; check a live map for today's air. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.