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Mirzāpur, a small city nestled within the Dhaka Division of Bangladesh (coordinates 24.1029° N, 90.0984° E), occupies a geographically significant position within the Bengal Plain. Its location, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Dhaka, places it within a transitional zone between the densely populated urban core and the more rural agricultural landscapes of central Bangladesh. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the deltaic region, with elevations rarely exceeding 20 meters above sea level. This flatness contributes to poor air circulation, particularly during periods of stagnant weather. Mirzāpur is situated near the Buriganga River, although direct proximity is limited; the river's influence on local humidity and temperature is moderate. The surrounding landscape is a patchwork of rice paddies, jute fields, and small villages, representing a gradual urban–rural gradient. The city’s air quality is heavily influenced by its position within a broader industrial belt extending from Dhaka. While Mirzāpur itself has limited heavy industry, it acts as a receptor for pollutants originating from Dhaka’s factories and transportation networks. Agricultural practices in the surrounding areas, including the burning of crop residue after harvest, also contribute to particulate matter pollution. The flat topography and proximity to agricultural zones exacerbate the impact of regional pollution events, trapping pollutants and limiting their dispersal. The city’s relatively small size and limited green spaces further compound these challenges, creating a localized environment susceptible to poor air quality.

Mirzāpur’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by Bangladesh’s monsoon climate. The pre-monsoon season (March-May) typically witnesses the worst air quality, characterized by increased levels of particulate matter. This is due to a combination of factors: agricultural burning of crop residue following the winter harvest, rising temperatures that exacerbate ground-level ozone formation, and stagnant air masses resulting from high-pressure systems. The monsoon season (June-September) brings relief as increased rainfall and stronger winds help to flush out pollutants. However, humidity levels rise significantly, which can still impact respiratory health. The post-monsoon season (October-November) sees a gradual return to drier conditions, and a resurgence of agricultural burning, leading to a moderate decline in air quality. Winter months (December-February) are often characterized by fog, particularly in the early mornings, which traps pollutants near the ground, creating localized pockets of poor air quality. Temperature inversions, common during winter, further exacerbate this issue by preventing vertical mixing of the atmosphere. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and winter months, limiting outdoor activity during peak pollution periods. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can also be beneficial. The monsoon season offers a window of improved air quality, but high humidity requires vigilance regarding mold and dampness-related health concerns.