Crime and Pollution in Dhaka

Crime Data in Dhaka

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Dhaka continues to grapple with a high crime index, reflecting significant public concern over personal and property safety. Residents express heightened anxiety regarding both property and violent crimes, exacerbated by the perception of increasing crime rates.

Public safety concerns are prevalent throughout the city, with many residents feeling unsafe both during the day and at night. This has impacted daily life, with safety anxiety influencing social behaviors and interactions across neighborhoods.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes such as theft and burglaries are major issues in Dhaka. Many citizens report a strong fear of having their homes broken into or possessions stolen, contributing to a pervasive sense of insecurity.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related crime is a growing problem in the city. Local communities express concerns about the impact of drug activity on safety, particularly in areas where drug use and distribution are more visible.
• Violent Crimes - Violent crimes, including assaults and muggings, are a significant concern for Dhaka residents. The fear of being mugged or physically attacked remains high, directly affecting how safe people feel across different parts of the city.
• Public Safety - Public safety in Dhaka presents a challenging landscape. Many residents feel unsafe traveling alone at night, which affects their movement and social activities. Daytime safety, although slightly better, still lacks the reassurance needed for a peaceful urban experience.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - The perception that crime is on the rise has been steadily growing across Dhaka. Residents particularly note an increase in both violent and property crime, urging authorities to deploy more resources and effective measures to combat these issues.
• Specific Fears - Besides the general fear of crime, specific worries about being targeted based on ethnicity or religion are prevalent, reflecting broader societal concerns. Bribery and corruption add another layer of complexity to the crime situation, eroding trust in legal and civic systems.

Summary of Crime in Dhaka

Despite the high crime levels, community initiatives and enhanced policing have started to make small inroads into curbing crime in Dhaka. However, significant effort and coordinated strategies are required to address the deep-rooted issues of property crimes, drug offenses, and corruption.

Crime Rankings

Dhaka ranks 1st on the Crime rankings in Bangladesh. The crime ranking by city for Bangladesh is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Dhaka

Bangladesh

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Dhaka's air quality in 2024 remains critically poor, with pollution levels significantly affecting residents' health and quality of life. High concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 indicate severe air pollution, mainly driven by traffic congestion and industrial activities.

Residents express serious concerns over air quality, with health issues such as respiratory ailments being common. The city's ongoing battle with air pollution demands more stringent measures and awareness to tackle long-term adverse effects.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - Dhaka's PM2.5 levels are alarmingly high, posing significant health hazards to its population, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Immediate attention is required to address this environmental issue.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - The PM10 concentration in the city also exceeds safe levels, contributing to the poor air quality. The high levels of particulate matter necessitate effective policies to mitigate pollution spikes and their health implications.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Waste management is a persistent problem in Dhaka, with dissatisfaction over garbage disposal processes prevalent among residents. The city's struggle with cleanliness and waste management impacts daily living.

Noise pollution is another critical issue, with bustling city life contributing to incessant noise levels that disturb urban tranquility and increase stress among inhabitants.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Garbage disposal in Dhaka receives low satisfaction ratings, with many areas affected by inefficient waste management systems that undermine neighborhood cleanliness.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise pollution, stemming from traffic, construction, and dense population density, remains a major complaint. Residents often find the city too noisy, highlighting the need for urban planning interventions.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Dhaka's green spaces are limited and often poorly maintained, offering little respite to its densely packed neighborhoods. The quality and availability of parks and greeneries remain inadequate for a city its size.

Water quality is a contentious issue, with drinking water accessibility viewed poorly by residents. Concerns over water contamination continue to mar perceptions of livability in Dhaka.

• Green and Parks Quality - The lack of quality green spaces in Dhaka is a concern for residents, who seek better-maintained parks and recreational areas to enhance urban living conditions.
• Drinking Water Quality - Drinking water quality in Dhaka is problematic, with access and safety being significant issues. Consistent clean water supply remains a distant goal for many of the city's inhabitants.

Pollution Rankings

Dhaka ranks 1st on the Pollution rankings in Bangladesh. The pollution ranking for Bangladesh is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Dhaka

Bangladesh