RAJSHAHI, Oct 23: Once lauded as the country's "cleanest and greenest city," Rajshahi is now choking on dust and smog.
Once celebrated for earning international recognition for clean air in 2016, the city's air quality has deteriorated to alarming levels-often surpassing even Dhaka's pollution metrics.
In January 2025 alone, the AQI surpassed 300 on seven days, with a peak of 394. Comparatively, Dhaka recorded AQI above 300 only once in the same month.
The World Health Organization (WHO) guideline deems PM2.5 concentrations above 15 micrograms per cubic meter hazardous. Yet, Rajshahi recorded a staggering 448.5 micrograms in January-nearly 30 times higher than the safe limit. PM10 concentrations reached 403.4 micrograms, also far exceeding the WHO's recommended ceiling of 45 micrograms. Health professionals at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital report a rising incidence of respiratory illnesses linked to air pollution, including asthma and chronic bronchitis.
"Children and the elderly are the worst affected," said Dr. Ahmad Zainuddin Sani, head of Respiratory Medicine. "Prolonged exposure significantly increases the risk of lung infections and even cancer."
Residents express growing frustration. "We once took pride in Rajshahi's clean air. Now it's hard to breathe without irritation," said college student Abul Alim. "Dust and fumes have become part of daily life."
Experts identify multiple drivers behind the worsening air quality-uncontrolled construction, vehicular emissions, and a sharp decline in green cover.
Professor Mizanur Rahman of Rajshahi University's Department of Geography and Environmental Studies noted, "Open dumping of sand, cement, and soil at construction sites, combined with shrinking vegetation and filled wetlands, has turned the city's air toxic."
Joint research by Rajshahi University and Ohio State University in USA found that over the last three decades, Rajshahi has lost 26 per cent of its green cover and 3 per cent of its waterbodies, while concrete structures expanded by 28 per cent.Environmental officials admit enforcement challenges. "Rapid construction and poor compliance with regulations are worsening air quality," said Md. Kabir Hossain, assistant director of the DoE Rajshahi. "We issue regular directives, but adherence remains low."
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