Brick kilns, air pollution and the governance failure behind pollution-driven loss of life expectancy

This policy brief examines the contribution of brick kilns to Dhaka’s severe air-pollution crisis and argues that persistent emissions reflect failures of governance, enforcement and regulatory coordination rather than a lack of technological alternatives. Drawing on recent epidemiological studies, atmospheric modelling and policy evidence from Bangladesh and across Asia, the brief analyses how seasonal brick production intensifies winter PM2.5 concentrations and contributes to major public-health and economic losses. Although Bangladesh has enacted ambitious environmental legislation, weak institutional capacity, fragmented oversight and entrenched political-economic incentives continue to undermine implementation. The brief evaluates three policy pathways: universal Zigzag 2.0 kiln conversion, substitution towards non-fired construction materials and enforcement intensification through satellite-based monitoring. It recommends a phased five-year national strategy integrating cleaner kiln technology, demand-side reform, targeted enforcement and regional airshed cooperation. Effective implementation could substantially reduce pollution exposure, improve life expectancy and strengthen long-term environmental governance in Bangladesh.