Dhaka, Feb. 28 -- Dhaka, a city of narrow alleyways and congested streets, remains one of the world's most polluted, leaving its residents trapped in urban smog and struggling to recall the last time they breathed fresh air, as experts warn of rising life-threatening diseases due to alarming pollution levels.

The city's air is choked with black fumes emitted from thousands of private cars, buses, motorcycles, CNG-run auto-rickshaws, and double-decker buses. Besides, ongoing construction projects, brick kilns, and industrial emissions further deteriorate Dhaka's air quality.

Making matters worse, pollutants from neighbouring countries are also mixing with the city's already toxic air.

Experts estimate that about 35% of Bangladesh's air ...