Gulshan residents in Dhaka are pioneering a community-led street cleaning initiative through the ‘Adopt a Road’ program, which encourages locals and organizations to take responsibility for road maintenance, traffic control, and public safety. This approach fosters a strong sense of ownership among participants, helping to keep streets cleaner and more orderly.
Since its launch in 2016, around 70 out of 144 roads in Gulshan have been adopted, with residents and businesses directly funding upkeep, hiring maintenance staff, and coordinating efforts with city authorities. The program has gained recognition for significantly improving public spaces in this upscale neighborhood.
However, experts question whether this model can be effectively expanded to other parts of Dhaka, where resources and community engagement may be limited. The challenge remains to find ways to promote civic participation and sustainable urban management across the entire city.
