As winter approaches, Khulna city is not only witnessing dropping temperatures but also an alarming rise in dust pollution, creating health hazards for residents, particularly those working outdoors.

In Khulna, a riverine divisional headquarters with over 16 lakh people across 31 wards in a 45.65 sq km area, dry winter weather and ongoing road construction have intensified the problem. Roads, houses, and public spaces are coated in dust, making daily life increasingly uncomfortable.

Medical experts have raised concerns about the impact on health. Civil Surgeon of Khulna district Dr Mst Mahfuza Khatun urged residents to limit outdoor activities, especially for children, who are more vulnerable to dust-related ailments such as asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

Hospitals across the city, including Khulna Medical College Hospital, Khulna General (Sadar) Hospital, and Khulna Shishu Hospital, have reported a steady increase in children diagnosed with breathing problems. Dr Md Kamruzzaman, child disease specialist and superintendent of KSH, said, “The sheer amount of dust in the air is worsening children’s respiratory conditions this season.”

Consultant Physician and Asthma Specialist Dr GM Monsur Habib warned that the situation could be particularly risky for patients with dust allergies and asthma. He advised people to wear masks outdoors, avoid polluted areas, and wash their face and eyes after returning home. The elderly, he noted, are also at higher risk during this period.

Environmental experts have called for urgent action. Khulna divisional coordinator of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association (BELA), Mahfuzur Rahman Mukul, stressed regular road cleaning and proper disposal of construction debris to prevent dust from spreading. Advocate Md Babul Hawlader, member secretary of Khulna Nagorik Samaj, urged the government to launch awareness campaigns and formulate specific laws to control dust pollution, citing its severe impact on public health.

With winter on the horizon, Khulna’s residents are bracing for a season marked not just by cooler temperatures but also by persistent dust and its associated health risks.