Urban Rejuvenation of Gulshan
February 7by Monica Islam
Gulshan is a posh area in Dhaka city. It is home to the elites. I began living here in 2003 when it was still a desolate residential area. You could find only one or two shops here and there. Over the years, this area has become a crowded commercial area. Now, it is a junkyard of banks and restaurants. I believe that it needs certain changes in the form of recreational landmarks to make it an inhabitable corner of the world.
Firstly, it irks me to note that in spite of so many sophisticated people living here, there is not a library in sight. There are one or two expensive bookstores around, but not a single library in plain sight! It makes me wonder that without knowledge, how the people would maintain their sophistication.
Secondly, there are no art galleries or museums around in this area. These museums could be based on numerous themes, such as the Holocaust or the Liberation War.
Thirdly, there is a dearth of places of worship other than mosques. There is no church, synagogue, or temple in this area. If Gulshan aims to be a prominent place as it deems itself to be, then there must be religious pluralism in the locality.
Lastly, there ought to be public washrooms in the area. At the moment, there is only one grand, vibrantly-painted washroom near Gulshan Circle.
In conclusion, if the people living in Gulshan want to go out for entertainment, the only available option is to dine out. There are plenty of eating spaces out here. However, eating out simply becomes boring after a couple of night outs. Therefore, I urge the town councilors or urban planners to make room for a diverse area where everyone can find something to do.
