As a mild cold wave is sweeping across Bangladesh, Dhaka’s air quality has been marked ‘unhealthy’. Amidst the ongoing mild cold wave, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rainfall in various regions, including Dhaka. The forecast also includes the possibility of moderate to thick fog covering the country. This foggy condition may lead to temporary disruptions in air navigation, inland river transport, and road communication.
Foggy conditions coupled with chilly weather has continued throughout the day for the past five days. Besides, the temperature fell nearly to the level of a cold wave in the northern part of Bangladesh on Tuesday. People, especially children and elderly persons, were also increasingly being hospitalised with cold-related diseases.
Meanwhile, deaths caused by cold-related diseases increased by more than 85 per cent in the last five days as a cold wave swept Bangladesh. This situation prompted authorities to suspend classes in schools in areas with a minimum temperature below 10 degree celsius.
However, Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.