A recent study by Jahangirnagar University (JU) revealed that air pollution causes nearly 88,240 premature deaths and an economic loss of $23 billion annually in Bangladesh. The research, led by Dr. Md Shakhaoat Hossain from JU's Department of Public Health and Informatics, was published in the journal Pollution. It found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is responsible for an average of 242 deaths daily across six major cities—Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, and Barishal.
The study attributed 37,519 deaths to cardiovascular diseases, 8,344 to chronic respiratory diseases, and 811 to lung cancer. Dhaka recorded the highest number of pollution-related deaths at approximately 68,703, followed by Chattogram with 11,202. The research highlighted a steady increase in premature deaths linked to PM2.5 pollution between 2013 and 2021, with Dhaka alone seeing an average of 3,484 additional deaths annually.
Dr. Shakhaoat Hossain emphasized the need for strict implementation of WHO air quality guidelines, reduction of PM2.5 emissions, and strengthened urban air quality management. He warned that without immediate intervention, the health and economic burdens will continue to rise. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for evidence-based policymaking to combat air pollution, which has become a significant public health and economic concern for Bangladesh.
