# Gulshan Society

The Gulshan Society (Bengali: গুলশান সোসাইটি) is a non-profit, non-political neighborhood association located in the Gulshan area of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established in 2002, the society serves as a representative body for the residents of Gulshan Model Town, a prominent residential area in the capital city. Retired civil servant Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury was the founding president of the Society, serving from 2002 to 2006. Barrister Omar Sadat is the current president of the Gulshan Society (2024-2026).

## Mission

The mission of the Gulshan Society is to encourage and foster a spirit of welfare and understanding among the residents of Gulshan, irrespective of race, religion, or nationality. The organization aims to involve the community in efficiently using public spaces, advocate for improved urban services, and address concerns such as traffic congestion, waste management, and environmental preservation.

## Key Activities

The society is governed by a memorandum of association and constitution that outlines its objectives and operational procedures.
* Community Facilitator: Gulshan Society fulfills a facilitatory role by actively collaborating with RAJUK, Dhaka North City Corporation, and other public bodies and stakeholders to propose and participate in infrastructure development initiatives. These initiatives encompass the enhancement of roads, parks, walkways, law and order measures, and providing various civic utility services to meet the requirements of Gulshan residents.
* Environmental Initiatives: The society strongly emphasizes environmental sustainability. To preserve the area's greenery and water bodies, it organizes tree-planting drives, promotes waste segregation, and campaigns for pollution control.
* Security and Safety: The organization collaborates with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of Gulshan residents. It assists various law enforcement agencies with surveillance of security cameras and road safety measures.
* Cultural and Social Events: Gulshan Society organizes cultural, health, and sporting events to build community and raise awareness of social and environmental issues.
* Lake, Park, and Mosque: RAJUK has designated the Gulshan Society to oversee the development and upkeep of the Gulshan Lake. With contributions from various private individuals, the Gulshan Society has constructed a mosque in North Gulshan—the Gulshan Society Mosque. This contemporary architectural achievement is opposite the Gulshan Society Lake Park, which RAJUK has leased to the Gulshan Society for development and maintenance.

## Membership and Functioning

* Executive Committee: The society is governed by an elected executive committee, the EC, that oversees all activities and decision-making processes. This committee is responsible for planning and implementing community projects, managing finances, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The tenure of an elected EC is two years, and the 19-member committee is headed by its president. There are two vice presidents, a secretary general, two joint secretary general, a treasurer, a joint treasurer, five EC members, and six zonal conveners. The members of their respective zones elect each zonal convener.
* Subcommittees: Various subcommittees address specific areas such as security, health, environment, and social welfare. These subcommittees work on targeted initiatives, ensuring focused attention and efficient resource management.
* Membership: All residential property owners in the Gulshan area are eligible for Life and Senior Memberships in the Gulshan Society. These memberships allow members to have a say in society’s governance and give them voting rights in elections and general meetings. Members contribute through one-time membership fees, which fund the society’s activities and projects. In addition, honorary memberships without voting rights are offered to distinguished civil society members and community leaders.

## Partnerships

Gulshan Society often collaborates with Dhaka North City Corporation, RAJUK, Dhaka Metropolitan Police, environmental and health organizations, and private sector companies to implement community programs and initiatives.