As newly elected lawmakers take oath under toxic skies, Bangladesh faces mounting pressure to confront deadly air pollution and turn political renewal into measurable environmental action on clean air and energy.
Bangladesh’s new Parliament and cabinet face an urgent test on clean air. Clean air is a human right, renewable energy is a necessity and a just industrial transition is essential for sustainable development. The government’s challenge now is to turn democratic renewal into tangible environmental action.
Following the national polls held on 12 February, Bangladesh begins a new political chapter as newly elected Members of Parliament took their oath of office this morning at the National Parliament building. Later in the afternoon, members of the new cabinet are scheduled to be sworn in at an open public venue within the Parliament premises, a symbolic departure from the traditional indoor ceremony that signals transparency, public engagement and a closer connection with citizens.
Yet the ceremonies unfold amid hazardous air pollution. According to Swiss air monitoring firm IQAir, Dhaka ranked second among the world’s 121 most polluted cities this morning, with an Air Quality Index of 260 classified as very unhealthy. In some areas such as Dhanmondi, the AQI reached 290. Experts note that levels above 200 are considered very unhealthy and those above 300 are deemed hazardous. Millions of residents, including lawmakers themselves, are inhaling dangerously polluted air as they assume office.
Experts and environmental activist groups say development cannot be considered meaningful if the air remains unsafe. Citizens, experts and civil society alike are watching closely, urging accountability and demanding that the promise of a clean, safe and inclusive Bangladesh becomes a reality.
Air pollution has become a silent but deadly crisis in Bangladesh. Studies suggest that more than 100,000 people die prematurely each year due to polluted air, while rising healthcare costs, lost productivity and reduced life expectancy impose a heavy burden on families and the national economy. Millions of urban residents, from rickshaw pullers and garment workers to students, doctors and government employees, are exposed daily to fine particulate matter far exceeding health safety thresholds. Experts say the issue is not only environmental but also a test of governance, social equity and sustainable development.
The oath-taking ceremonies under polluted skies serve as a stark reminder that governance will ultimately be judged not only by economic growth or infrastructure projects but by whether people can live, work and thrive without risking their health.
Despite existing environmental laws and repeated policy announcements, implementation has long lagged. Analysts argue the core challenge is not a lack of knowledge but a lack of political will. Past governments have announced measures to shut down old vehicles or polluting brick kilns, yet enforcement has been minimal. Political promises to create a clean and revitalised Bangladesh are now under renewed scrutiny as citizens and experts demand measurable outcomes, not just statements.
Professor Abdus Salam of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Dhaka said the scale of the crisis is known but meaningful action remains limited. “We already know the scale of air pollution in Dhaka and across the country, we know the sources and we know what needs to be done yet meaningful action remains limited. We expect the new government to take effective steps to control pollution. The election manifesto of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party speaks of building a clean Bangladesh and we hope that commitment will be fulfilled.”
In its manifesto, the party stated its goal of creating a clean, safe and economically revitalised Bangladesh, raising public expectations that environmental promises will translate into concrete policy action.
Experts warn that tackling air pollution requires systemic change. Reducing sulphur in fuels, phasing out highly polluting brick kilns, strict monitoring and regulation of industrial emissions, shutting down hazardous lead smelting and informal recycling operations and enforcing dust management in construction are essential steps. Expanding urban green spaces and investing in public transport are also needed to reduce pollution while fostering sustainable economic growth.
Adding further urgency to the call for decisive measures, Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Stamford University Bangladesh and Chairman of the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies, said lawmakers and the new cabinet must treat air pollution as an immediate national priority. “The new Parliament and cabinet have a historic responsibility to act decisively. Clean air is not optional; it is fundamental to public health, economic stability and environmental justice. Without strong enforcement, coordinated policy and political commitment, the crisis will continue to worsen.”
Air pollution disproportionately affects the poor and marginalised. While wealthier populations can access air-conditioned spaces, clean water and better healthcare, low-income workers bear the brunt of toxic air. Experts say this is a question of social justice as much as health and therefore deeply political. Citizens are increasingly asking how policies will protect children’s lungs, reduce pollution hotspots and deliver tangible improvements over the next five years.
Civil society voices also stress the need to link clean air with renewable energy and a just industrial transition. Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said the new government must adopt policies that protect public health while supporting sustainable jobs. “Clean air is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Addressing air pollution requires accelerating renewable energy, phasing down dirty fuels and ensuring a just transition for workers and industries. The new Parliament and cabinet have an opportunity to show that development can be both inclusive and environmentally responsible.”
