Rajshahi, once arguably the cleanest of cities, is now gasping for breath as its air quality has sunk below that of Dhaka.
Official data show that the city has endured repeated stretches of 鈥榲ery unhealthy鈥� air quality, with an Air Quality Index score of 151鈥�200, and 鈥榟azardous鈥� quality, with a score of 301 and above, for more than a decade, making it increasingly difficult for residents to breathe.
Environment officials said that AQI readings indicate that Rajshahi routinely records scores well above 200, at times reaching 400.
The situation has turned particularly severe this year. The city recorded AQI scores above 300 for three days in January, peaking at 394, and above 200 for 18 days. By comparison, Dhaka had only one day with a score above 300, reaching 367, and for 24 days above 200 in the month.
The pattern continued in February. Rajshahi recorded AQI score above 300 for three days, with a monthly high of 378, and above 200 for 18 days. Dhaka, meanwhile, crossed 300 only once at 330 although its score remained above 200 for 21 days.
Data also show that Rajshahi recorded the highest PM2.5 concentration at 448.5 micrograms per cubic metre in January, seven times the national 24-hour standard of 65 micrograms per cubic metre and about 30 times the World Health Organisation guideline.
The concentration of PM10, another major pollutant, reached 403.4 micrograms per cubic metre, two and a half times the national standard of 150 micrograms per cubic metre.
Mizanoor Rahman, a professor of geography and environmental studies in the University of Rajshahi, who recently conducted a study on the city鈥檚 air quality, blamed uncontrolled construction, unchecked vehicle and industrial emissions, and shrinking green spaces and water bodies for the problem.
鈥楻ajshahi has recently gone through rapid infrastructural growth, such as the construction of roads, flyovers and buildings. These works release large amounts of dust and fine particles,鈥� he said.
Another recent study that University of Rajshahi and Ohio State University researchers conducted finds that the city鈥檚 green spaces have decreased by 26 per cent and water areas by 3 per cent over three decades while built-up areas increased by about 28 per cent.
The River Padma also contributes to dust pollution, he said. Strong winds and storms lift particles from dry silt and char lands, blowing them into the city during the dry season, causing sudden spikes in pollution.
He said that reducing air pollution would require joint action by public and private sectors.
鈥楧ust control at construction sites through fencing, covered vehicles and green covers can significantly reduce air pollution,鈥� he said. 鈥楨xpanding green spaces such as rooftop gardens, green walls and roadside trees helps to trap airborne particles.鈥�
He recommended building green belts with high particle-absorbing plants and planting on urban wastelands in highly polluted areas. Mizanoor urged authorities to introduce a public alert system to warn residents when air quality reaches hazardous levels.
Physicians in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital say that they are seeing more patients suffering from respiratory illnesses linked to air pollution.
鈥楥hildren and the elderly are the first casualties,鈥� said Ahmad Zainuddin Sani, head of respiratory medicine at the hospital. 鈥楲ong-term exposure to severe air pollution increases the risk of lung diseases, including cancer.鈥�
Residents are also noticing the change. 鈥榃e used to say that Rajshahi was cleaner than Dhaka. But now, dust chokes us every day. My eyes burn. My chest feels heavy,鈥� said Abul Alim, a rickshaw-puller.
Md Kabir Hossain, assistant director at the Rajshahi office of the environment department, attributed the city鈥檚 declining air quality to construction activities and shrinking green spaces and water bodies.
鈥榃e have continuously monitored the air quality and issued directives and guidelines. But, we don鈥檛 follow the rules. That鈥檚 why the problem has intensified,鈥� he said.
Moshiur Rahman, chief executive officer of the Rajshahi Development Authority, declined comments, saying that he joined the office recently.