Hafizur Rahman Khan
For over three decades, my life has navigated the dynamic landscapes of Bangladesh’s automobile and technology industries. From establishing the country’s pioneering automobile manufacturing facility to leading Runner Group into the era of electric mobility, my days have been filled with decisions, deadlines, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful contributions to our nation.
Yet, there is one place where time slows down and clarity returns: the golf course.
On the fairways—surrounded by vibrant greenery, fresh air, and the quiet rhythm of play—I discover the calm, clarity, and inspiration that no boardroom can offer. Golf is no longer just a sport to me; it has become a philosophy, a mentor, a source of enduring friendships, and a guide in my business journey.
A Passion Discovered by Chance
I first picked up a golf club on a whim, persuaded by a friend who promised it would “quiet the mind.” My first swing was far from perfect—more enthusiasm than technique. Yet, that initial imperfect shot ignited a transformation within me. Watching the ball rise, wobble, and ultimately land imparted an unexpected lesson: in golf, as in life, improvement arises only when you slow down, breathe, and pay attention.
I remember the joy of my first purely struck shot, the kind that feels so effortless you hardly realize you swung at all. I also recall the frustrating mishits—the chunks, the slices, the bladed chips that flew embarrassingly off target. Over time, I learned to appreciate both. The successful shots boost confidence, while the misfires build resilience. Golf became my form of meditation. It taught me patience, humility, and the art of new beginnings—shot after shot, day after day.
Leadership Lessons Hidden in Every Swing
Golf is a mirror of both life and business. Each round demands concentration in chaos, discipline in technique, calmness under pressure, risk assessment for every decision, adaptability to shifting conditions, and resilience following setbacks.
A single hasty swing can sabotage a hole—just as a rushed decision can derail an entire strategy.
Before every shot, a golfer evaluates the terrain, the slope, the wind, the pin position—most importantly, the state of his or her own mind. This introspective discipline has shaped the way I lead Runner Group. It has guided me through expansions, global negotiations, and our most recent pivotal collaboration with BYD to pioneer electric mobility in Bangladesh.
Golf whispers a fundamental truth: focus on the next shot, not the last one. This mindset has repeatedly enabled me to navigate challenging business cycles with unwavering steadiness.
The Golf Course: My Second Boardroom
Golf has given me more than peace; it has given me invaluable partnerships. Some of the strongest business relationships of Runner Group have been forged with a handshake on the first tee or over a post-round coffee.
In the inviting, open environment of a golf course, conversations flow effortlessly. Golf fosters a unique community unlike any other—one built on respect, camaraderie, and shared passion. The game reveals character, patience, respect, and integrity—qualities that are essential in business partnerships. Over the years, I have forged connections with investors, diplomats, engineers, and global automotive leaders on the course.
While deals may not be finalized on the fairways, trust is cultivated there long before any papers reach the boardroom table. Many of our landmark collaborations, including our recent partnership with BYD for electric vehicles, were seeded on the fairways long before any contract was signed.
Health, Happiness & a Greener Vision
At an age when many slow down, golf keeps me physically active—walking several kilometers during a round, breathing in fresh air, and experiencing the soothing embrace of nature. It clears my mind and helps me unwind after long days of work.
However, the most profound reward lies in how golf reconnects me with the environment. Standing amidst lush greenery, listening to birdsong, and feeling the gentle breeze reminds me how precious our natural world is. This realization has spurred a fundamental shift in my business philosophy. The serenity of the golf course prompted me to rethink the future of mobility in Bangladesh, which must be just as clean and sustainable.
This epiphany reinforced Runner Group’s dedication to pioneering sustainable mobility, including electric motorcycles, passenger cars, electric buses, and trucks. Our collaboration with BYD is not merely a business milestone—it is part of a larger responsibility to reduce emissions and advocate for a greener and more sustainable future for Bangladesh.
The greenery I cherish in leisure inspires the green mobility I advocate for our nation.
Giving Back to the Game That Gives Me So Much
Golf has enriched my life, and I am committed to nurturing its growth. Runner Group proudly sponsors the President Cup Golf Tournament at Kurmitola Golf Club, along with tournaments at Shaheen Golf Club in Patenga, Bogura Golf Club in Bogura, and Mainamati Golf and Country Club in Comilla. Moreover, we support underprivileged junior and emerging golfer development initiatives to help them realize their full potential on both national and international stages.
To me, supporting golf is more than sponsorship—it is about preserving a culture of discipline, courtesy, and sportsmanship for future generations.
The Fairways Ahead
Even after all these years, golf continues to surprise me. Every round feels new. Each fairway brings new challenges. Every putt carries a story. Golf has taught me that the quality of your next shot matters far more than the last one, and the same is true in business and in life.
Whether I am launching a new electric model or lining up a crucial putt, I carry the same calm belief: stay patient, trust the process, and keep moving forward.
The fairways have become my sanctuary, my classroom, and my source of inspiration. They remind me every day that true progress, on and off the course, is always measured one thoughtful step at a time. Golf has imparted one lasting principle: what matters most is not the shot you just played—but the confidence and clarity with which you approach the next one.
See you on the green.
Hafizur Rahman Khan
Chairman, Runner Group
