Air Pollution in Bangladesh Reduces Life Expectancy by Nearly 5 Years, Warns AQLI Report

A recent report by the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) reveals that air pollution in Bangladesh significantly shortens life expectancy, with the average person losing 4.8 years due to high levels of particulate pollution. This pollution is caused by various factors, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and other sources, which contribute to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels that exceed both national and global health guidelines. The findings highlight that more than 96% of Bangladesh’s population lives in areas where the air quality is well below the national standard of 35 µg/m³, and even the least polluted district, Sylhet, has particulate levels 6.7 times the recommended WHO guideline.
Some regions, like Gazipur and Narsingdi, are experiencing even harsher consequences, with pollution cutting life expectancy by over six years. The report underscores that if Bangladesh were to reduce its pollution levels to meet the World Health Organization’s guidelines, residents in major districts like Dhaka and Chattogram could gain significant years of life expectancy—up to 5.6 years in Dhaka and 5.2 years in Chattogram.
While Bangladesh saw a slight reduction in pollution levels in 2022 (22% lower compared to 2021), which suggests a potential positive trend, the overall situation remains dire. This decrease may be attributed to meteorological factors like increased rainfall, though the long-term impact of policy changes remains uncertain. The report calls for stronger policies and stricter enforcement to combat air pollution, emphasizing that pollution remains a global health crisis that disproportionately affects people in South Asia and other high-pollution regions.
On a global scale, particulate pollution is identified as the greatest external health risk, comparable to the harmful effects of smoking. Reducing pollution levels globally to meet WHO guidelines would extend the average person’s life expectancy by 1.9 years, potentially saving 14.9 billion life-years worldwide. However, the report highlights that many countries, including Bangladesh, still fail to set or meet appropriate air quality standards. In some regions, such as South Asia, the problem is particularly severe, with nearly half of the population living in areas with harmful air quality.
This alarming situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive pollution control policies, better data monitoring, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure clean air and improve public health globally.