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Hatibanda, nestled within the Dhaka Governorate of Bangladesh at coordinates 24.2155°N, 90.1600°E, is a small urban centre deeply embedded within the fertile Bengal Delta. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of alluvial plains formed by the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system. This low-lying landscape, with an elevation generally below 10 meters, makes Hatibanda particularly vulnerable to seasonal flooding. The city’s position isn’t directly on a major river channel, but is interwoven with a network of smaller distributaries and *haors* (wetlands), influencing local humidity and contributing to stagnant air conditions. Surrounding Hatibanda is a predominantly agricultural landscape, dominated by rice paddies, jute cultivation, and small-scale farming. While not a major industrial hub itself, Hatibanda’s proximity to larger industrial zones within the Dhaka metropolitan area and along the river ports contributes to regional pollution transport. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with a rapid transition from densely populated settlements to agricultural fields. This proximity to agricultural practices introduces sources of particulate matter from biomass burning and fertilizer use, impacting local air quality. The deltaic environment, combined with limited natural ventilation, creates conditions conducive to pollutant accumulation, especially during periods of low wind speed.

Hatibanda experiences a tropical monsoon climate, dictating a distinct wet and dry season that profoundly impacts air quality. The dry season, roughly November to March, sees consistently higher pollution levels. Cooler temperatures lead to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and increased reliance on biomass burning for heating and cooking exacerbates particulate matter concentrations. January and February are typically the months with the poorest air quality. The pre-monsoon season (April-May) brings increasing heat and dust storms, further degrading air quality. The arrival of the monsoon in June marks a dramatic improvement. Heavy rainfall effectively washes away pollutants, and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, the monsoon also brings increased fungal spores, potentially triggering respiratory issues. August and September, while generally cleaner, can experience localised flooding which disrupts sanitation and increases the risk of waterborne diseases. Post-monsoon (October-November) sees a gradual return to drier conditions and a corresponding increase in pollution. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season and pre-monsoon periods, and consider using air purifiers indoors.