Publications·December 31, 2023
This report provides a comprehensive review of air pollution challenges, technological responses, and institutional gaps in Dhaka, Bangladesh. As one of the most polluted cities in the world, Dhaka faces severe air quality degradation, primarily driven by urban growth, industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and unregulated construction activities. The report serves as a guide for policymakers, researchers, and innovators in identifying opportunities for technology transfer, improved policy design, and institutional strengthening.
1. Air Pollution Status in Dhaka
Dhaka consistently ranks among the top most polluted cities globally, with PM2.5 concentrations far exceeding both national standards and WHO guidelines.
Major contributors include:
Brick kilns, particularly in peri-urban areas.
Vehicular emissions, largely due to an aging fleet, poor fuel quality, and weak enforcement.
Construction and road dust, especially during the dry season.
Industrial emissions from textiles and small manufacturing plants.
Seasonal crop residue burning and transboundary pollution also exacerbate the problem.
2. Technological and Policy Interventions
a. Monitoring Systems
Air quality monitoring is managed by the Department of Environment (DoE), using Continuous Air Monitoring Stations (CAMS).
Monitoring is limited in spatial coverage, lacking real-time granularity and data integration.
Public access to data is limited, weakening awareness and accountability.
b. Brick Kiln Regulation
Brick kilns are responsible for over 30% of Dhaka’s PM2.5 pollution.
Shifts toward Hybrid Hoffman Kilns (HHKs) and Zigzag kilns are promoted, but many older kilns still operate illegally.
Regulatory enforcement is weak, and relocation efforts face resistance.
c. Transport Sector Measures
Limited uptake of emissions inspection and maintenance programs.
Lack of strict fuel quality enforcement; diesel and petrol used are often below international standards.
Dhaka is introducing electric buses, and there are plans to promote EV adoption, but uptake is in early stages.
Public transport infrastructure is underdeveloped, with traffic congestion contributing significantly to pollution.
d. Urban Development and Construction
Road and building construction dust is a significant source of pollution.
Water spraying and green fencing at construction sites are recommended but rarely enforced.
Waste burning, including plastic and e-waste, contributes to localized pollution.
3. Key Gaps Identified
Fragmented institutional responsibility and lack of a unified AQM authority.
Absence of integrated emission inventory or source apportionment studies to guide targeted interventions.
Weak public communication and outreach on pollution levels and health risks.
Insufficient technical capacity for real-time monitoring, forecasting, and modelling.
Inadequate coordination between DoE, Dhaka North and South City Corporations, and other agencies.
4. Recommendations
Establish a single institutional authority responsible for city-wide air quality management.
Scale up the use of low-cost sensors for hyper-local monitoring.
Invest in AI-based forecasting models and integrated emissions inventories.
Enhance enforcement of vehicle emission standards, kiln licensing, and construction site dust control.
Promote technology transfer and PPPs to advance clean technologies.
Foster regional cooperation to address transboundary pollution.
5. Regional Relevance
Dhaka’s experience is relevant to South Asian urban centers facing similar drivers of pollution.
Aligns with ESCAP’s emphasis on technology facilitation, regional knowledge exchange, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Key Words / Topics
Dhaka air quality
PM2.5, brick kilns, vehicular emissions
CAMS (Continuous Air Monitoring Stations)
EV adoption
Clean transport and kilns
Source apportionment
Institutional coordination
Technology transfer
Awareness and public participation
AQM policy integration