Gulshan Thana: History
Until 1961, the area now known as Gulshan (meaning "garden") was a rural settlement outside of Dhaka called Bhola Gram or Bhola Samair (Bengali: ভোলা সামাইর), inhabited by migrants from Bhola District in Barishal. It featured croplands, dense vegetation, and water bodies used for fishing. The Dhaka Improvement Trust (DIT), under G.A. Madani, selected the site for the Gulshan Model Town project, aiming to develop a planned residential area inspired by a similar neighbourhood in Karachi. As affluent residents began acquiring land and constructing homes, the area's rural character gradually transformed. During this period, Gulshan was designated a union and later upgraded to a municipality. The previous inhabitants were relocated to nearby locations such as Badda, Notun Bazar, and Gazipur. Around 1972, Gulshan and surrounding areas were organised under the newly formed Gulshan Thana. In 1982, the municipality was absorbed into Dhaka Municipality as a ward.
Initially developed as a residential area with one- and two-storey houses, Gulshan began to see the construction of high-rise buildings in the 1990s. Like other parts of Dhaka, it evolved into a densely developed urban zone, featuring street lighting, security checkposts, high-rise residences, kitchen markets, shopping malls, brand outlets, banks, clubs, gyms, and hotels. Diplomatic missions and residences also expanded eastward into Baridhara, while surrounding areas grew in significance.
Rapid development continued into the following decade, leading the government in 2004 to officially permit commercial establishments in designated parts of Gulshan. This policy shift triggered a sharp rise in the number of commercial buildings, shops, and a significant increase in land and property prices.
Banani was a part of Gulshan Thana, but was separated with the establishment of Banani Thana. Despite this, Banani and Gulshan are often referred together as "Gulshan–Banani", due to their proximity, same characteristics and history and being in the same thana, before the establishment of Banani Thana.