Air pollution is rising globally due to climate change and urban expansion, and megacity Dhaka has long been among the most affected. For several weeks, it has consistently ranked among the world’s most polluted cities. However, ongoing rainfall has helped slightly improve the city’s air quality.

As of Monday morning (July 14), Dhaka ranked 57th on the global pollution index with an AQI (Air Quality Index) score of 56, according to data from international air monitoring platform IQAir. This score is classified as "moderate" in terms of air pollution.

At the same time, Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, topped the list with a score of 174. Hanoi in Vietnam followed in second with a score of 170, while Santiago in Chile (165), Kampala in Uganda (163), and Lahore in Pakistan (153) rounded out the top five most polluted cities.

An AQI score from 0 to 50 is considered "good." A score between 51 and 100 is "moderate," and 101 to 150 is deemed "unhealthy for sensitive groups." Scores from 151 to 200 fall under the "unhealthy" category, while 201 to 300 is "very unhealthy," prompting advisories for children, the elderly, and those with health conditions to stay indoors. Any AQI reading from 301 to 400 is considered "hazardous," posing serious health risks to city residents.