Breathing Dhaka Project Launched

A new 18-month research initiative aims to strengthen hyperlocal monitoring of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in underserved communities across Dhaka and make reliable air quality information more accessible to the public. The project will collect and share community-level air quality data while generating evidence to support improved pollution management and informed policymaking.

The project, titled “Breathing Dhaka: Open Hyperlocal PM2.5 Monitoring and Evidence-Based Air Quality Policy for Underserved Communities in Dhaka”, was launched at an inaugural meeting on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at the Department of Environment's Paribesh Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Implemented by Abhijatrik Foundation with technical support from the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), the project is funded under the Air Quality Fund 2026 of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago in the United States.

Director General of the Department of Environment Dr Md Lutfor Rahman attended the meeting as the chief guest. Professor Dr A. T. M. Nurul Amin, Emeritus Professor of Urban Environmental Management at the Department of Development and Sustainability, attended as the special guest. The meeting was chaired by Farid Ahmed, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment.

In his remarks, Dr Md Lutfor Rahman highlighted the importance of strengthening air quality monitoring to address Dhaka's growing air pollution. He expressed hope that an integrated initiative such as Breathing Dhaka would provide the information and evidence needed for effective pollution management measures and contribute to improving the city's air quality.

Ahmed Imtiaz Jami, president of Abhijatrik Foundation, outlined the project's objectives, implementation strategy and expected outcomes. Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of CAPS and the project's technical lead, presented its technical framework, monitoring methods and implementation plan.

Dr Mohammad Abdul Motalib, Deputy Director of the Air Quality Management Division at the Department of Environment, stressed the importance of proper equipment calibration, post-collection data validation and local community engagement to ensure the project's scientific reliability and effective implementation. He also emphasised the need for behavioural change initiatives alongside technological interventions to address air pollution.

Ahmed Imtiaz Jami said, “Abhijatrik Foundation has been working for a long time with underserved communities, who are comparatively more exposed to environmental pollution and its health impacts. Through the Breathing Dhaka project, we want to collect and make air quality data accessible at the community level while working in coordination with government institutions, research organisations and development partners. We believe reliable information, public awareness, community participation and behavioural change are among the key foundations for building healthy and resilient communities.”

Special guest Professor Dr A. T. M. Nurul Amin emphasised the importance of connecting scientific research with practical action. He said, “Scientific data collection is extremely important, but meaningful research should not be limited to monitoring alone. Local communities must be engaged to ensure long-term positive change, and findings from scientific research must be translated into effective policies.”

//DBTech/DPO/SME/SMP//