Silent killer of Bangladesh claims 102456 lives, worst than missile attack because…, it is due to…

A new report has further heightened concerns in the Bangladesh as it sheds light on an even graver issue that is silently claiming thousands of lives in neighbouring country.

Bangladesh’s Silent Killer: In recent months, Bangladesh has been making headlines due to massive student protests over the quota reform movement and communal violence targeting minorities, especially Hindus, following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, a new report has further heightened concerns in the neighbouring country as it sheds light on an even graver issue—air pollution. According to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), air pollution in Bangladesh led to as many as 1,02,456 deaths in 2023 alone. Dubbed as the “silent killer,” toxic air has made it the most polluted country in the world, with PM2.5 levels at 79.9 µg/m3, which is 15 times higher than WHO standards.

The report claims that if the air quality could be improved, it could reduce deaths by 19 percent, saving 81,282 lives every year if the World Health Organisation’s guidelines are followed. Additionally, life expectancy could increase by 21 percent.

PM2.5 particles, which is the most harmful pollutants, are linked to dreadful diseases such as heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory illnesses, and lung cancer.

Children and elderly are particularly vulnerable, with 5,258 child deaths reported annually due to toxic air in Bangladesh.

Premature Births and Economic Losses

Severe air pollution is causing asthma, premature births, and lower birth weights in the country, especially in poorer families. Many children are dying soon after birth, while elderlies suffer from lifelong illnesses. The economic toll runs into billions of dollars annually.

Life Expectancy Reduced by 4.8 Years

The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) for 2024 indicates that air pollution has led to a reduction of 4.8 years in the average lifespan in Bangladesh. Key contributors to this issue include factory emissions and household waste. Professor Ahmed Kamruzzaman Mazumdar highlighted that air pollution in Dhaka impacts both physical and mental well-being, urging prompt measures to address this escalating problem.