In Bangladesh, Air Pollution Prevention: Laws are there, but enforcement is lacking—Professor Ainun Nishat
Renowned climate expert of the country Professor Ainun Nishat stated that despite having knowledge, policies, and laws to fight air pollution, the main issue is the lack of effective enforcement.
At the seminar ‘Silent Killer Air Pollution: The Depth of the Problem and What We Can Do,’ he emphasized that it’s time to stop talking and start taking action.
Recently, the Tafazzal Hossain Manik Mia Auditorium at the National Press Club hosted a seminar organized by Doctors for Health, Bangladesh, and Environment and Engineers and Architects for Environment and Development, Bangladesh.
Professor Emeritus Ainun Nishat from BRAC University, Bangladesh, stated that there is considerable research and legislation regarding environmental issues like water, air, and rivers. But the problem is the lack of enforcement. To change this situation, we need to build public opinion and raise strong demands for the implementation of the law.”
At the seminar, two research papers were presented: one addressed the causes and solutions for air pollution in the country, including the capital, while the other focused on its health effects.
Engineer Sardar Amin stated that the World Health Organization defines a safe city as having an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50 or below, while an AQI above 100 is considered hazardous. In 2024, Dhaka’s AQI was 124, which lasted for 35 days—no other city in the world has such long-term pollution. Delhi’s highest AQI was 209, but only for 10 days; Lahore’s was 126, also for 10 days. Dhaka tops the list in terms of sustainability.
He also said that 87,000 people live per square kilometer—where the ideal number should be 6,500. Excess population, kitchen smoke, black smoke from vehicles, brick kilns, factories, and construction dust are all major contributors to air pollution. He outlined 15 recommendations to prevent pollution.
Doctor Tamanna Bahar said that air pollution kills about 7 million people every year in the world. In Bangladesh, the PM2.5 level is 78 micrograms per cubic meter, which is 15 times the limit set by the WHO. These tiny particles can cause coughing, shortness of breath, asthma, heart disease, cancer, neurological issues, and complications during pregnancy. A survey in 2021 showed that air pollution is responsible for 235,000 deaths in the country.
She stated that the high number of deaths and medical expenses is harming families and the economy.
Kamruzzaman Majumder, a professor at Stamford University, stated that air pollution in Dhaka has been steadily rising since 2016. It experienced only a minor decline during the COVID period. He suggested that pollution is lower from 3 pm to 5 pm and that wearing masks regularly would help.
Sheikh Md. Mehedi Hasan, general secretary and urban planner of the Bangladesh Institute of Architects, stated that the city has been developed without proper planning. “There are laws, but no laws are enforced for the influential. They are playing a role in pollution, including filling reservoirs and encroaching on rivers—this culture needs to be changed.
Engineer Allama R. Raji said, “Pollution is associated with development, but it can be reduced if it is managed properly.”
Public health expert Dr. Lenin Chowdhury stated that air pollution is damaging both humans and the entire ecosystem. He called for strict implementation of the environmental law, including the 12-point directives of the High Court.
The seminar was presided over by Professor Md. Shafiqul Islam, President of Doctors for Health and Environment. Engineer Nimai Ganguly delivered the welcome address, and Doctor Anwarul Anam Kibria moderated the event.
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