Dhaka, April 27 -- The High Court has issued a rule asking why steps should not be taken to curb air pollution in Dhaka.

The bench of Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and Justice Aynun Nahar Siddiqua issued the rule on Sunday after a preliminary hearing on a writ petition over the matter. The respondents have been ordered to submit their replies within four weeks.

Supreme Court lawyer Monir Uddin had sent a letter to the director general of the Department of Environment on Feb 27, urging action against air pollution in Dhaka. However, with no action taken, he filed the writ petition on Mar 25.

The letter said that Dhaka recorded its worst air quality in nine years on Dec 14, 2024, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 288. On Feb ...