Air pollution is on the rise in cities across the globe due to various reasons, and Dhaka, as a megacity, has long been grappling with severe air quality issues. For several days now, the capital has consistently ranked among the most polluted cities in the world.

On Wednesday morning, April 16, Dhaka's air was classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups. According to Swiss air quality monitoring organization IQAir, the city recorded an AQI score of 157 at around 7:47 AM, placing it sixth among the world's most polluted cities.

At the same time, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates topped the list with an AQI score of 617. Delhi followed in second place with 185, Hanoi ranked third with 175, Beijing was fourth with 170, and Lahore came in fifth with a score of 164.

AQI scores between 0 and 50 are considered good, 51 to 100 moderate, and 101 to 150 unhealthy for sensitive individuals. A score between 151 and 200 is deemed unhealthy for the general population. Scores from 201 to 300 are categorized as very unhealthy, where children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions are advised to stay indoors. AQI levels from 301 to 400 are labeled hazardous, posing serious health risks to all residents.