Publications·December 31, 2023
This report provides a comprehensive overview of air pollution challenges and control strategies in Dhaka, one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities and one of the most polluted in terms of PM2.5 concentrations. It evaluates existing city action plans, the institutional framework, and technology adoption pathways for effective air quality management.
The report builds on prior assessments and aims to align city-level efforts with national and regional initiatives while highlighting the technological gaps and coordination challenges that constrain progress.
1. Air Pollution Profile in Dhaka
Dhaka suffers from extreme air pollution, particularly PM2.5, often reaching hazardous levels, especially in the dry season. Key sources include:
Brick kilns (major contributors of PM and CO)
Construction and road dust
Vehicular emissions
Industrial activity
Open waste and biomass burning
WHO guidelines and Bangladesh’s own national air quality standards are consistently exceeded.
2. Institutional Framework and Policy Landscape
Air quality management in Dhaka is the responsibility of multiple agencies, including:
Department of Environment (DoE)
Dhaka North and South City Corporations (DNCC and DSCC)
RAJUK (Urban development authority)
Nationally, Bangladesh has a Clean Air Bill (draft), and air pollution is addressed through:
National Environment Policy 2018
National Action Plan for Air Pollution Reduction
City-specific interventions from Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) and World Bank-funded programs
3. Current Technology and Action Plan Interventions
a. Air Quality Monitoring
Dhaka has several Continuous Air Monitoring Stations (CAMS) operated by the DoE.
Data integration and public access are limited.
Low-cost sensor networks are emerging but underutilized.
b. Clean Transport Policies
Electric vehicles (EVs), especially battery-powered rickshaws, are in informal use but unregulated.
No city-wide EV policy yet.
The government encourages CNG conversion of buses and auto-rickshaws, but enforcement is weak.
Public transport is limited and inefficient.
c. Industrial and Brick Kiln Regulation
Over 1,000 brick kilns operate in and around Dhaka, most using outdated and polluting technologies.
The shift to zigzag kiln technology is ongoing but incomplete.
Enforcement is hindered by lack of capacity and corruption.
d. Construction Dust Control
Construction standards are weak or poorly enforced.
Road dust suppression (e.g., mechanized sweeping, water spraying) is inconsistently applied.
4. Gaps and Challenges
Fragmented institutional responsibilities and lack of a central coordinating body.
Weak enforcement of existing environmental laws.
Limited technological innovation, especially in monitoring and emission control.
Absence of a reliable, citywide emissions inventory or source apportionment study.
Limited public awareness and community involvement.
5. Recommendations
Form a Dhaka Clean Air Authority or coordinating unit for unified planning and enforcement.
Expand real-time monitoring, including low-cost community sensors.
Incentivize clean brick kiln technologies and enforce existing bans on illegal kilns.
Regulate and promote EVs with formal infrastructure and policy.
Strengthen inter-agency data sharing and publish air quality information regularly.
Invest in non-motorized transport (NMT) infrastructure and sustainable public transit.
Support awareness campaigns through schools, media, and civil society.
6. Regional and International Alignment
Dhaka’s initiatives align with:
The National Air Quality Strategy
ESCAP regional goals
SDG targets related to health, environment, and urban resilience
The report suggests deeper collaboration with regional actors, sharing lessons with other South Asian cities facing similar challenges.
Key Words / Topics
Dhaka air pollution
Brick kilns
PM2.5
Dust control
Clean transport
EVs and CNG vehicles
Enforcement gaps
Monitoring stations
Awareness campaigns
Smart city planning