Gulshan: The Heartbeat of Dhaka's Urban Sophistication

• Helloহ্যালো
  [helo]
• Goodbyeবিদায়
  [bidae]
• Yesহ্যাঁ
  [haan]
• Noনা
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomeঅনুগ্রহ করে
  [onugroho kore]
• Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [dhonnobad]
• Excuse me/Sorryদুঃখিত
  [dukkhito]
• How are you?আপনি কেমন আছেন?
  [apni kemon achhen?]
• Fine. And you?ভালো। আর আপনি?
  [bhalo. ar apni?]
• Do you speak English?আপনি ইংরেজি কথা বলতে পারেন?
  [apni ingreji kotha bolte paren?]
• I don't understandআমি বুঝতে পারছি না
  [ami bujhte parchhi na]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseমেনু দেখতে চাই
  [menu dekhte chai]
• I don't eat meatআমি মাংস খাই না
  [ami mangsho khai na]
• Cheers!চিয়ার্স!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseদয়া করে পরিশোধ করতে চাই
  [doya kore porishodh korte chai]

• Help!সাহায্য!
  [sahayyo!]
• Go away!চলে যাও!
  [chole jao!]
• Call the Police!পুলিশ কল করুন!
  [police kol korun!]
• Call a doctor!ডাক্তার কল করুন!
  [daktar kol korun!]
• I'm lostআমি হারিয়ে গেছি
  [ami hariye geshi!]
• I'm illআমি অসুস্থ
  [ami osustho]

• I'd like to buy...আমি ... কিনতে চাই
  [ami ... kinte chai]
• I'm just lookingআমি শুধুমাত্র দেখছি
  [ami shudhumatro dekhchi]
• How much is it?এটা কত টাকা?
  [eta koto taka?]
• That's too expensiveএটা খুব বাজে
  [eta khub baje]
• Can you lower the price?দাম কমাতে পারবেন?
  [dam komate parben?]

• What time is it?এখন কত বাজে?
  [ekhon koto baje?]
• It's one o'clockএটা একটা বাজে
  [eta ekta baje]
• Half past (10)দশের অর্ধেক
  [dasher ordhek]
• Morningসকাল
  [shokal]
• Afternoonদুপুর
  [dupur]
• Eveningসন্ধ্যা
  [shondhya]
• Yesterdayগতকাল
  [gotokal]
• Todayআজ
  [aj]
• Tomorrowআগামীকাল
  [agogikol]
• 1এক
  [ek]
• 2দুই
  [dui]
• 3তিন
  [tin]
• 4চার
  [char]
• 5পাঁচ
  [pach]
• 6ছয়
  [chhoy]
• 7সাত
  [shat]
• 8আট
  [at]
• 9নয়
  [noy]
• 10দশ
  [dosh]

• Where's a/the...?... কোথায়?
  [... kothay?]
• What's the address?ঠিকানা কি?
  [thikana ki?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?আমাকে দেখাতে পারবেন?
  [amake dekhate parben?]
• When's the next (bus)?পরের (বাস) কখন?
  [porer (bosh) kohon?]
• A ticket (to ....)একটি টিকেট (.... এ)
  [ekti ticket (.... e)]

Gulshan emerged as a residential area in the 1960s when Dhaka began to expand rapidly. Originally a rural area, it transformed into a suburban neighborhood characterized by wide roads, green spaces, and modern housing. The establishment of Gulshan as a planned residential area was part of a larger effort to accommodate the growing population of Dhaka, which has been a center of trade and culture for centuries.

Since the 1970s, Gulshan has been home to numerous embassies and diplomatic missions, establishing itself as the diplomatic enclave of Dhaka. This influx of foreign missions has not only influenced the architectural landscape of the neighborhood but has also fostered a cosmopolitan culture, making it a hub for international events and gatherings.

Gulshan Lake, built in the 1980s, has been a significant feature of the neighborhood, serving as a recreational area for residents and visitors. The lake is surrounded by parks and walking paths, reflecting the planning vision that prioritized greenery and leisure spaces amid urban development. It has become a focal point for community activities and social gatherings.

In recent decades, Gulshan has evolved into a vibrant commercial hub, featuring a mix of traditional Bangladeshi shops and international brands. The neighborhood hosts numerous restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers that cater to both locals and expatriates. This cultural fusion reflects Dhaka's broader transformation into a global city while retaining its rich heritage.

As Gulshan continues to grow, it faces challenges typical of urban areas, including traffic congestion, pollution, and the need for sustainable development. Efforts are being made by local authorities and community organizations to address these issues while preserving the neighborhood's unique character and green spaces.

Gulshan is easily accessible from various parts of Dhaka. The main international gateway is Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which is about 7 km from Gulshan. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are popular options for getting to Gulshan from the airport. From central areas like Dhaka University or Shahbagh, you can take a CNG autorickshaw or a taxi. Public buses also connect Gulshan with other neighborhoods, but the traffic can be congested.

Gulshan is best explored by taxi or ride-sharing services, as the area is spread out. Bicycles are not commonly used due to traffic conditions, but some locals may rent them. There is no metro system in Dhaka, but the city has a growing network of buses and minivans. For short distances, CNG autorickshaws are a convenient option, and walking is feasible in quieter parts of the neighborhood.

Gulshan is generally considered a safe neighborhood, especially in the upscale areas. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded places. Tourists should avoid areas like Gulshan 1 and 2 late at night, as they have reported higher instances of crime targeting visitors. It is advisable to stay vigilant, keep valuables secure, and use reputable transportation.

In case of emergencies, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Familiarize yourself with the locations of nearby hospitals; for serious medical issues, the United Hospital and Apollo Hospitals are well-regarded. Keep a copy of important documents and emergency contacts on hand. Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is highly recommended.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places. Avoid revealing outfits. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove shoes when entering homes or places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous; offer your seat to those in need. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly handshake. Avoid overly casual greetings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offers. Don’t refuse food as it may be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Gulshan like a local, visit the Gulshan Lake Park for a leisurely stroll or picnic. Try to engage locals in conversation; they are usually welcoming and eager to share their culture. Explore the vibrant dining scene, particularly at local restaurants that offer Bangladeshi cuisine. Shopping at Gulshan's various boutiques and local markets can provide unique finds, including handicrafts and clothing.

While in Gulshan, be mindful of local customs. When visiting homes, it’s polite to bring a small gift, like sweets or fruits. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion unless the local initiates it. Respect for elders is significant in Bangladeshi culture; use appropriate titles and show deference. Always use your right hand for giving and receiving items, as the left hand is considered impolite.

When dining in Gulshan, especially in local homes, it is customary to wash hands before and after the meal. If using utensils, be aware that many locals prefer to eat with their hands. Try to finish all the food on your plate, as leaving food may be taken as a sign of disrespect. It's also polite to compliment the host on the meal served.