Individuals with health issues urged to stay indoors

The government has urged people to wear masks when outdoors and requested individuals with health issues to avoid going outside unless ‘absolutely necessary’.

This fresh advisory comes as the air quality in Dhaka and its surrounding areas has deteriorated to an unhealthy and sometimes hazardous level (AQI > 250).

In a press release on Tuesday, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said air quality data is regularly updated on the Department of Environment's website for public information.

Citizens have been urged to monitor this information and take necessary precautions accordingly, it said.

The ministry also requested all to contribute to curbing air pollution from their respective positions.

Besides, it advised brick kiln and factory owners as well as the general public to adopt measures – refraining from burning solid waste, installing proper enclosures and covers at construction sites, keeping construction materials covered, ensuring trucks or lorries transporting construction materials are fully covered, spraying water around construction areas at least twice a day, and avoiding operating old and smoke-emitting vehicles on the roads.