Air pollution is one of the most serious threats to health and economies of our time but in Bangladesh, where air pollution is high, the demand for air purifiers is low.  

In 2024, the International Growth Centre's Bangladesh Country Team launched a research project to understand why and to promote the adoption of air purifiers as a way to tackle indoor air pollution in Dhaka through policy change. 

Following the presentation of this research to an inter-ministerial meeting on air pollution in Bangladesh, action has been taken. The Minister of Environment has committed to working with IGC to reduce taxes on air purifiers. The National Board of Revenue has publicly announced that they have decided to reduce some taxes and provide exemptions on taxes applied to air purifiers - news that reduces the overall tax burden on air purifier imports from 59% to 32% and gained national media interest. 

Listen to this podcast to find out more about how changes such as these could make air purifiers more affordable and more accessible to the public. 


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The International Growth Centre (IGC) works with policymakers in developing countries to promote inclusive and sustainable growth through pathbreaking research.