Dhaka, Dec. 24 -- The government has announced an incentive-based initiative to combat air pollution by encouraging citizens to submit photographs of waste burning in open areas.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Environment said air pollution has emerged as a serious threat to public health in Bangladesh.

Emissions from vehicles, brick kilns, industrial facilities and the open burning of waste are steadily worsening air quality across the country.

As a result, health risks - including respiratory illnesses - are increasing, posing particular danger to children, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions.

To address the challenge, the government has taken a series of measures to identify and control key...