Ever wondered what the most polluted city in the world was? There are multiple countries named ‘most polluted in the world’, such as Chad, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. However, I would like to focus on Bangladesh.
Why is Bangladesh so polluted?
Bangladesh’s pollution problem is multifaceted, including rapid industrialization, high population density, weak environmental regulations, and a lack of proper waste management.
Air quality in Bangladesh is currently a severe public-health crisis. According to the 2024 report by IQAir, the country’s annual average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) reached about 78 µg/m³ — more than 15 times the guideline set by the World Health Organization (5 µg/m³) (The Business Standard). In the capital Dhaka, where dense urbanisation, heavy traffic, industrial emissions, and seasonal weather patterns combine, the air is particularly polluted — the city ranks among the most polluted capitals globally. Major contributors to this crisis include brick manufacturing kilns, unregulated vehicle emissions, road dust, industrial effluents, and seasonal agricultural burning.
The water contamination situation in Bangladesh is extremely concerning. While nearly all of the population has access to a technically “improved” drinking water source, only around 59 % of people have access to water that meets safe quality standards. A major issue is microbial contamination: a report found that around 41% of “improved” water sources contained fecal bacteria, such as E. coli, revealing serious gaps in sanitation and hygiene (Prothomalo). On top of that, naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater continues to affect millions: millions of Bangladeshis drink well-water with arsenic concentrations well above safe limits, which over time can lead to skin lesions, cancers, and other chronic diseases (World Health Organization).
Noise pollution and urban environmental stress are growing problems in Bangladesh, especially in major cities like Dhaka and Chattogram. Constant traffic jams, construction work, loud horns, and industrial activities create noise levels that often exceed safe limits set by the World Health Organization. This persistent exposure to high noise not only causes hearing problems but also leads to stress, sleep disturbances, and other health issues. Alongside noise, rapid urbanisation and overcrowding have increased air and visual pollution, putting additional pressure on city dwellers’ mental and physical well-being.
Conclusion
Overall, the pollution crisis in Bangladesh reflects a complex interplay of industrial growth, population pressure, and weak environmental management that demands urgent and coordinated action.
Citations
“Bangladesh’s air quality ranking shifts from worst to 2nd worst in 2024.” The Business Standard, https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/environment/bangladeshs-air-quality-ranking-shifts-worst-2nd-worst-2024-1089951. Accessed 28 October 2025.
Rahman, Matiur. “Over 40pc of ‘improved water sources’ in Bangladesh contaminated: WB.” English, Matiur Rahman, 11 October 2018, https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/Over-40pc-of-improved-water-sources-in. Accessed 11 October 2018.
Smith, Allan. “Contamination of drinking-water by arsenic in Bangladesh: a public health emergency.” World Health Organization, 2000, https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/PMC2560840. Accessed 29 April 2000.
