Air pollution has emerged as an invisible yet devastating threat to human life and nature worldwide. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, population growth, and the reckless use of fossil fuels are injecting massive amounts of harmful pollutants into the air. These pollutants pose serious risks to public health, the environment, and even the global economy. Bangladesh, a fast-developing nation, finds itself at the center of this crisis. With industrial growth, urban expansion, and infrastructural development racing forward, the pressure on the environment has multiplied. As a result, Bangladesh is now ranked among the world's most pollution-prone countries. Its capital, Dhaka, frequently tops the list of the most polluted cities. Tiny airborne particles, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and black carbon are making millions sick every day. During winter, brick kilns, vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, construction dust, and the burning of fossil fuels in agriculture release dangerous levels of toxic pollutants into the air. The consequences are alarming children and the elderly increasingly suffer from asthma, pneumonia, chronic respiratory diseases, heart problems, and even lung cancer. According to the World Health Organization, thousands of premature deaths in Bangladesh each year are directly linked to air pollution, while millions endure long-term respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Beyond human health, air pollution reduces agricultural yields, damages biodiversity, worsens climate change, and threatens sustainable economic development.
Addressing such a complex challenge requires science-based knowledge, data-driven research, and technology-led solutions. Reliable data collection, analysis, and technological innovation are essential to understanding the sources, patterns, and impacts of air pollution. Yet, in Bangladesh, the scope of research remains extremely limited. Despite having around 163 public and private universities and research institutions, with about 30 environmental science or related departments, advanced labs, sufficient funding, and a culture of long-term research are still missing. As a result, we lack a complete picture of the problem, and policy decisions often rely on incomplete information. One of the most effective ways to overcome this limitation is to engage young people in environmental research and nurture them as skilled researchers. Young minds are naturally creative, energetic, and adaptable to technology. Their involvement is key to finding sustainable, long-term solutions to air pollution.
Young researchers can see problems from new perspectives and develop innovative solutions. In Bangladesh, they could pioneer alternatives to traditional brick kilns, promote eco-friendly construction materials, design low-cost air quality monitoring devices, and advance renewable energy technologies like solar power, biofuels, and electric vehicles. They could also apply big data analytics for pollution forecasting, develop sustainable waste management practices, and propose greener urban planning strategies. But for this to happen, we must create an enabling environment for young researchers. Education must be research-oriented, with environmental education introduced from the early stages. At the higher education level, research projects should be integrated into curricula so students move beyond rote learning to real problem-solving. The government and private sector must jointly provide research funding, fellowships, and scholarships for youth. Laboratories and technical facilities should be modernized to allow research that meets international standards. Collaborations with foreign universities and research institutes will expose young researchers to global best practices, which they can adapt to local realities.
Funding is another critical area. Research requires expensive equipment, laboratories, monitoring tools, software, field surveys, and sensors. Without access to these, young researchers cannot reach their potential. Unfortunately, research budgets in Bangladesh are small, and youth-focused funding is rare. A national research fund dedicated to young scientists is urgently needed. Private sector involvement and international donor support can also accelerate progress. Importantly, research findings by young people should not be ignored in policy-making. Too often, policymakers overlook their recommendations, which demotivates youth. When their work influences real policy, they feel empowered and encouraged to stay in research for the long term. Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship is another powerful path. Innovation labs, incubation centers, and university-based startup platforms could help young researchers turn their ideas into practical, market-ready solutions. For instance, eco-friendly brick-making technologies, affordable air quality monitoring tools, or electric vehicle charging systems could be commercialized. This way, research outcomes will directly benefit society while motivating young researchers to innovate further.
Globally, countries like China, Japan, and South Korea have made remarkable progress in air pollution control through the leadership of young researchers. Their innovations and scientific breakthroughs have improved air quality despite rapid industrialization. Bangladesh can learn from these experiences by engaging its youth in international collaborations, joint research projects, exchange programs, and internships. By applying lessons from abroad, young researchers here can deliver solutions suited to local needs.
However, there are some challenges in the way of developing young researchers. General interest in research in Bangladesh is poor. Many young people, facing economic insecurity and job pressures, cannot dedicate themselves to research. Brain drain is another pressing issue talented young minds often leave the country due to lack of opportunities and rarely return. To counter this, the research profession must be made attractive and rewarding. Adequate remuneration, career progression, and a supportive work environment can help retain talent.
Air pollution is not uniform across Bangladesh. In Dhaka, vehicular emissions and brick kilns dominate, while in Chattogram, industrial emissions are the primary source. This variation highlights the need for accurate data, scientific analysis, and technological innovation to craft effective solutions. Guesswork-based policies are rarely effective; only evidence-based research can identify the true causes and practical remedies. For example, determining which types of brick kilns are the worst offenders, which fuels are viable alternatives, or how city planning can reduce air pollution, all require strong research foundations.
Air pollution is not just an environmental issue, it is a public health crisis, an economic challenge, and a development obstacle. Solving it demands more than laws or regulations; it requires a robust base of scientific research. And at the heart of that base are young researchers. In Bangladesh today, investing in air pollution education and research is no longer optional, it is an urgent necessity. By strengthening education-research linkages, ensuring adequate funding, building modern infrastructure, expanding international cooperation, and enforcing strong policies, we can empower our youth to drive change. If their talent, creativity, and knowledge are harnessed effectively, Bangladesh can secure not only cleaner air but also a healthier, more sustainable future.
Professor Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Dean, Faculty of Science; Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh; Joint Secretary, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA); Chairman, Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS).
