Is the air quality good in Dhaka?
As of November 15, 2026, at 5:15 AM (local time), Dhaka, Bangladesh, is experiencing poor air quality, with an AQI of 204 in the “very unhealthy” range.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Dhaka is ranked the 3rd most polluted major city in the world on Sunday morning.
For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Dhaka's air quality map.
While air quality today is poor, long-term data highlight the scale of the challenge. In 2025, Dhaka’s average PM2.5 concentration was 68 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 157, classified as unhealthy, and measuring 13.6 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Dhaka, Bangladesh, ranked 3rd among the most polluted major cities globally, as of November 15, 2026, at 5:15 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Dhaka?
Air quality is forecast to gradually improve by tomorrow.
Hourly air quality forecast for Dhaka, Bangladesh, on November 15, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Historically, pollution is highest during winter and lowest during the June–September monsoon season, when rainfall helps remove airborne particles (1).
Air quality map of Dhaka, Bangladesh, as of November 15, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Dhaka?
Dhaka’s recurring air pollution comes from several overlapping sources:
- Brick kilns burning coal and biomass, with weak enforcement allowing polluting operations to continue during the winter production season (2).
- Vehicle exhaust, construction activity, road dust, and open burning of leaves and waste.
- Industrial fuel combustion, metal processing, and particles released by brake and tire wear, which contribute to metal contamination in fine particulate matter (3).
Dry-season conditions worsen pollution. Limited rainfall, light winds, and temperature inversions reduce the removal and dispersion of particles, allowing emissions to accumulate near the ground (4).
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
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Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
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Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
