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Cox’s Bāzār, nestled in the southeastern Chattogram Division of Bangladesh, occupies a unique and vulnerable geographic position. The city sprawls across a coastal plain, bordering the Bay of Bengal, with a relatively low elevation that contributes to humidity and limited atmospheric dispersion. Its location within the hilly extensions of the Chittagong Hill Tracts influences local wind patterns, often channeling airflows and exacerbating pollution concentrations during stagnant periods. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of dense mangrove forests, agricultural lands – primarily rice paddies – and rapidly developing urban areas. Cox’s Bāzār’s proximity to the world’s longest natural sea beach, and the extensive network of rivers and canals, introduces a complex interplay of marine aerosols and land-based pollutants. The city serves as a crucial transit point for trade with Myanmar and a gateway to the hill tracts, resulting in significant vehicular traffic. A notable urban-rural gradient exists, with increasing population density and construction activity closer to the city centre. This rapid urbanization, coupled with informal settlements and limited infrastructure, contributes to dust generation and open burning of waste, directly impacting local air quality. The concentration of brick kilns in the surrounding areas is a major source of particulate matter, further compounding the issue. The terrain’s flatness hinders natural ventilation, trapping pollutants and increasing exposure risks.

Cox’s Bāzār experiences a tropical monsoon climate, dictating a distinct wet and dry season that profoundly impacts air quality. The dry season, from November to March, sees consistently poorer air quality. Lower humidity and stable atmospheric conditions lead to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. Dust from construction, brick kilns, and unpaved roads becomes particularly problematic during this period. January and February are typically the months with the highest pollution levels. The pre-monsoon period (April-May) brings increased temperatures and localized thunderstorms, offering brief periods of improved air quality, but also contributing to dust storms. The monsoon season, from June to October, generally offers respite. Heavy rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter, and increased wind speeds aid in dispersion. However, increased humidity can promote the formation of secondary pollutants. November marks a transition, with decreasing rainfall and a return to stagnant conditions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season and periods of high dust. Monitoring weather forecasts and avoiding peak traffic hours are also advisable. The monsoon, while cleaner, can bring increased mold and fungal spores, potentially triggering allergic reactions.