Dhaka most polluted city in the world

Dhaka is the most polluted city in the world, and air pollution is the main cause for respiratory issues, said Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh yesterday.

"We are aware of it. We are working to get rid of the problem," said the mayor while addressing the first National NCD Conference at a Dhaka hotel.

Yesterday was the second day of the three-day event.

He said DSCC is working to reduce non-communicable diseases and improve the corporation's basic amenities like parks and playgrounds to achieve sustainable development goals.

"We do not have sufficient walkways, parks and playgrounds. We have to ensure them now. We are preparing a 30-year master plan in this regard, so that we can increase these facilities by 2050," said Taposh.

"To prevent non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer and high pressure, we have to improve facilities to reduce mortality rate," mayor Taposh added.

Taposh said they have already taken initiatives to establish more parks, widen footpaths and create walkways.

Mentioning that the death rate is higher for such diseases compared to communicable ones, Taposh said two-thirds of Bangladeshis die due to non-communicable diseases.

Although life expectancy of a citizen is 72 years, many die before they reach 70, due to such diseases, he added.

The mayor said they are failing to provide proper treatment at DSCC's hospitals due to lack of manpower and doctors.

"There are two hospitals of DSCC -- Mohanagar General Hospital and Mohanagar Shishu Hospital. DSCC is working to develop the infrastructure there. However, the government deploys and appoints workforce and doctors. Unfortunately, sufficient numbers of doctors and workforce are not appointed," he said.