Dhaka ranked third on the list of cities with the worst air quality globally, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 285, classified as "very unhealthy," according to IQAir on Sunday morning. Kuwait City and Baghdad topped the list with AQI scores of 659 and 600, respectively. This live air quality index, updated by Swiss-based IQAir, informs and alerts people about air purity or pollution levels in specific cities.

An AQI score between 51 and 100 is considered "moderate" or "acceptable," while 101–150 is "unhealthy for sensitive groups," and 151–200 is "unhealthy." Scores of 201–300 indicate "very unhealthy" air, and above 300 is categorized as "hazardous."

IQAir advises sensitive groups in Dhaka to wear masks outdoors and avoid exercising outside to minimize exposure to the polluted air.