Bangladesh, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, is facing a severe air pollution crisis. In 2023, it was ranked the most polluted country globally, with an annual average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration of 79.9 µg/m³—more than double the national standard of 35 µg/m³ and 15 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³ (IQ Air, 2023).
The consequences of this extreme pollution are staggering: air pollution has become the leading risk factor for death in the country, cutting the average life expectancy by nearly five years (AQLI). Studies estimate that air pollution contributes to over 200,000 deaths annually in Bangladesh (World Bank). PM2.5 is a known trigger for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and lung cancer. Among children, it exacerbates asthma, stunting, and cognitive impairment, while in newborns, it is linked to low birth weight and premature birth.
These health burdens also come with economic costs, including higher healthcare expenses and reduced productivity, which in 2019 amounted to 11 billion USD or 4.4–4.8% of the country’s GDP (World Bank).
This health impact assessment (HIA) further assesses the consequences of such extreme pollution. Meeting Bangladesh’s national air quality standard could reduce deaths by 19%, while meeting the WHO 2021 guideline would reduce deaths by 79%, that is, 81,282 lives each year, and eliminate almost all asthma-related emergency visits and preterm births, as well as avoid 262 million annual sick leave days. Adherence to this standard would also reduce Years of Life Lost (YLL) by 21% and Years Lived with Disability (YLD) by 12%.

Recommendations
- Integration of the National Air Quality Management Plan (NAQMP) 2024–2030: The recently launched NAQMP provides a comprehensive policy framework to combat air pollution, emphasizing sectoral emission reductions, capacity-building, and public engagement. It highlights actionable measures such as reducing emissions from industries, transportation, brick kilns, and agriculture, with a focus on achieving WHO Interim Target 1 for PM2.5 in the near term. This plan should be operationalized as a central tool for air quality governance. (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 2024)
- Bangladesh should prioritize meeting its current air quality standards through a time-bound action plan: This plan should include clear reduction targets, emergency measures to address pollution spikes on peak days, and long-term strategies informed by source apportionment and carrying capacity studies. Such an approach ensures actionable, evidence-based steps to improve air quality while building a foundation for transitioning towards stricter guidelines like the 2005 WHO target of 10 µg/m³ and the 2021 WHO target of 5 µg/m³ in the future. (Khatun, Saadat and Ashraf, 2023).
- Promote Cleaner Energy Sources: Reducing reliance on coal and diesel as primary energy sources will be essential in curbing PM2.5 in the long term (Clean Air Asia, 2020). Policies incentivizing the adoption of renewable energy, as well as support for cleaner transportation and industry, could substantially reduce PM2.5 (World Future Council, 2019). Collaboration with international organisations on transitioning to cleaner energy could provide Bangladesh with both technical assistance and funding opportunities.