HC issues rule questioning lack of action to curb Dhaka’s air pollution

The High Court has issued a rule asking why steps should not be taken to curb air pollution in Dhaka.

The bench of Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and Justice Aynun Nahar Siddiqua issued the rule on Sunday after a preliminary hearing on a writ petition over the matter. The respondents have been ordered to submit their replies within four weeks.

Supreme Court lawyer Monir Uddin had sent a letter to the director general of the Department of Environment on Feb 27, urging action against air pollution in Dhaka. However, with no action taken, he filed the writ petition on Mar 25.

The letter said that Dhaka recorded its worst air quality in nine years on Dec 14, 2024, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 288. On Feb 19, Dhaka ranked first among 124 most polluted cities worldwide, with an average AQI of 250.

The letter also noted that Dhaka has been suffering from chronic air pollution for a long time, primarily caused by brick kilns, vehicle emissions, and construction dust, according to reports by the Department of Environment and the World Bank.

The writ petition named the environment secretary, the director general of the Department of Environment, and the chief executive officers of Dhaka North and South city corporations as respondents.