How Air Pollution in Bangladesh Is Robbing Residents of 5.5 Years of Life: Insights from AQLI

Air pollution is a serious issue in Bangladesh. A recent report suggests that if air quality met World Health Organization (WHO) standards, Bangladeshis could live 5.5 years longer. In the most polluted areas, like Dhaka and Chittagong, residents could gain an even greater boost—over 6.5 years.

Currently, all 166.8 million people in Bangladesh live in areas where air pollution exceeds health guidelines. Even in Lalmonirhat, which is among the least polluted places, air quality is still seven times worse than the recommended levels.

Between 1998 and 2023, pollution levels rose by 66.2%. This increase has reduced life expectancy by 2.4 years. In Dhaka, for instance, a typical resident could live 6.9 years longer if pollution levels were lowered to meet the WHO standards. Chittagong residents could see a similar improvement.

In South Asia, the situation is dire. From 2022 to 2023, pollution increased by 2.8%, solidifying its status as the most polluted region globally. On average, pollution cuts life expectancy by three years and even more in the most affected areas. The impact of pollution is stark: it’s twice as harmful to life expectancy than issues like childhood malnutrition and five times more harmful than unsafe water.

Interestingly, while Bangladesh faces severe pollution challenges, developed countries like the United States and Canada are also struggling. The wildfire crisis in Canada has substantially raised fine particulate pollution levels, marking a reversal of progress made over the past few decades in air quality.

Globally, air pollution remains the leading external risk to human health. A recent study highlights that if everyone adhered to WHO guidelines, the average person could live an additional 1.9 years—translating to 15.1 billion additional life-years saved worldwide.

Tanushree Ganguly, director of the Air Quality Life Index, emphasizes the need for countries to target fossil fuel pollution at its source. Improving air quality not only enhances lives but also helps address climate change.

In a world where air pollution poses such profound risks, citizens and governments must work together to seek solutions.



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