Welcome to Gulshan, the crown jewel of Dhaka’s residential areas. Located in the northern part of the city, this affluent neighborhood is home to a thriving community of residents and businesses. With a variety of restaurants, five-star hotels, shopping centers, schools, banks, offices, and members’ clubs, Gulshan has everything you need for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. This bustling area also hosts the majority of embassies and high commissions in Bangladesh, making it a hub for diplomatic missions. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful residential area or a vibrant commercial center, Gulshan has it all.
A Dive into History
Gulshan, once known as Bhola Gram, was a serene village filled with green croplands and dense plantations. This village was inhabited by farmers who had migrated from the coastal district of Bhola. They led peaceful lives, catching fish in the lakes and canals, and the village was also referred to as Bhola Samair.
In 1961, GA Madani, the head of the Dhaka Improvement Trust (DIT), chose this area to develop the Gulshan Model Town. The idea was to create an upscale residential area similar to the one in Karachi, Pakistan, which also went by the name Gulshan, meaning “garden.”
As the development progressed, Gulshan transformed into a union and later a municipality. In 1972, a police station was established to maintain law and order. By 1978, Dhaka Municipality was elevated to the status of a corporation, but this was short-lived due to the martial law in March 1982. That year, Gulshan Municipality was merged with Dhaka Municipality. In 1990, Dhaka Municipal Corporation was renamed Dhaka City Corporation and was divided into ten zones.
Over time, Gulshan saw rapid development. Street lamps, heavily guarded checkposts, high-rise residential buildings, kitchen markets, shopping malls, brand shops, banks, clubs, gymnasiums, and hotels began to spring up. Diplomatic residences and embassies extended to Baridhara, east of Gulshan. The surrounding areas also grew in importance.
The development peaked over the next ten years, leading the government to permit commercial establishments in some parts of Gulshan in 2004. Consequently, the number of commercial buildings and shops increased, driving up the prices of land and flats.
Despite these changes, two signs of the old Bhola Gram still remain. One is the Gulshan Jame Mosque, originally the Bhola Jame Mosque, established around 1875. The mosque’s signboard on Gulshan Avenue still bears the old name. Another establishment, Bhola Government Primary School, was relocated to Dakkhin Badda and was initially established in 1925.
Historian Muntassir Mamoon recalls that when the model town was being developed, the area was full of open fields and jackfruit trees. Before the development, it was a low-lying area with many canals, later elevated to accommodate people affected by floods.
In his book “Smriti Bismritir Nagari,” Mamoon quotes Mozammel Huq Bir Pratik, who remembered that some 50 years ago, Gulshan was known as Bholar-Tengor. “Tengor” referred to a highland covered in forests. During the monsoon, people from nearby areas would farm there and seek shelter with their cattle during floods.
Around 1964, small tigers or fishing cats could still be seen in Gulshan’s thick forests. Birds chirped, and the area was dark at night. Where the Niketan residential area now stands used to be an island. People from Dhaka would come to graze their cows there. Initially, Gulshan had about 1,300 plots, with only 10% of the original inhabitants being Bengalis.
Today, at least ten houses on Road No. 80 in Gulshan-2 retain the heritage of old two-story houses with open lawns, gardens, or big trees.
Gulshan’s transformation from a tranquil village to a bustling modern hub reflects the dynamic changes in Dhaka’s urban landscape. The area continues to evolve, blending its historical roots with contemporary development.
Geographical Layout and Significance
The Gulshan area in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is one of the most affluent and significant neighborhoods in the city. Here’s a detailed overview of its geographical layout and significance:
Geographical Layout
Location: Gulshan is located in the northern part of Dhaka. It is bounded by Banani to the south, Baridhara to the east, and Tejgaon Industrial Area to the west.
- Divisions: Gulshan is divided into two main parts – Gulshan 1 and Gulshan 2. Each part serves as a hub for different activities.
- Landmarks: Notable landmarks in Gulshan include the Gulshan Circle 1 and Circle 2, which are major intersections and focal points of the area. The area also includes several parks, lakes, and embassies.
- Roads and Connectivity: The area is well-connected by major roads, including the Gulshan Avenue, which runs north to south through the heart of Gulshan. The road network is designed to facilitate smooth traffic flow and connectivity to other parts of Dhaka.
- Residential and Commercial Zones: While predominantly a residential area, Gulshan also hosts numerous commercial establishments, including high-end hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and office buildings.
Significance
- Economic Hub: Gulshan is a major economic center in Dhaka. It houses numerous multinational companies, banks, and corporate offices, making it a crucial area for business activities.
- Diplomatic Enclave: The area is known for its diplomatic significance, hosting many embassies and high commissions, including those of the United States, United Kingdom, and several European countries.
- High Standard of Living: As an affluent neighborhood, Gulshan offers a high standard of living. It features luxurious residences, high-end retail outlets, fine dining restaurants, and exclusive clubs.
- Cultural and Social Hub: Gulshan is also a social and cultural hub with numerous clubs, art galleries, and cultural centers that host events and exhibitions.
- Security: Due to the presence of diplomatic missions and high-profile residents, Gulshan is one of the most secure areas in Dhaka with heightened security measures and surveillance.
- Educational Institutions: The area is home to several reputable educational institutions, including international schools and colleges, catering to the needs of both locals and expatriates
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about Gulshan-1 and Gulshan-2
1. Location and Layout:
- Gulshan 1 is situated in an affluent residential and business neighborhood of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Gulshan 2 is a bustling hub divided by a large roundabout connecting it to Banani and Baridhara, featuring numerous eateries, shops, and businesses.
2. Characteristics:
- Gulshan 1 is known for its upscale residential properties and commercial establishments.
- Gulshan 2 serves as a commercial center with a concentration of offices, banks, and restaurants, alongside residential spaces.
3. Surrounding Areas:
- Gulshan 1 is adjacent to major areas of the city including Gulshan 2, Mohakhali, Tejgaon, and Badda, facilitating easy access between these zones
- Gulshan 2 is connected to Banani and Baridhara, enhancing its connectivity within the city.
The Diplomatic Heart of Dhaka
Gulshan, one of the fanciest areas in Dhaka, is a busy center for international relations. This neighborhood is not just known for its luxury homes; it is also an important place for many embassies. Here are some of the main embassies you can find in this lively area.:
- Embassy of the United States : The U.S. Embassy in Gulshan is very active in diplomacy. It provides many services such as visa processing, help for American citizens, and improving U.S.-Bangladesh relations. The U.S. Embassy shows how important Gulshan is for international diplomacy
- British High Commission: The UK’s office in Gulshan is very important for relations between Britain and Bangladesh. It focuses on diplomacy, trade, and helping British people in Bangladesh. This office helps keep the friendship between the two countries strong.
- Embassy of Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Gulshan is very important for making Saudi-Bangladeshi relations stronger. It helps with different services like giving visas and making documents legal. These things are really important for both countries working together.
- Japanese Embassy : In Gulshan, the Japanese Embassy is where Japan and Bangladesh share culture and business. It works to make the bond between the two countries stronger by making friends, doing business together, and having cultural events.
- Italian Embassy : The Italian Embassy in Gulshan helps Italy and Bangladesh connect. It helps with visas and supports Italians in Bangladesh. Also, it makes the friendship between Italy and Bangladesh stronger by working on culture and business.
- Swedish Embassy : The Swedish Embassy in Gulshan works on building friendships between Sweden and Bangladesh. It helps with visas and supports Swedish people here.
These embassies, along with many others, make Gulshan a lively and diverse place. Having lots of embassies here helps different countries work together, share culture, and make connections around the world. This makes Gulshan not just a nice place to live and do business, but also an important part of the world stage.
