Bashir Ahmed, the managing director of Western Engineering Group, had never been a fan of golf. In fact, like most others looking in, Bashir never understood the charm this ancient sport entailed. But once the businessman gave it a chance, more out of peer pressure than with any genuine interest, golf became an integral part of his life. Now he professes golf among his peers and plays a key role in promoting the sport. In this candid interview with The GolfHouse, Ahmed shares his golfing story.
How did you come to golf?
Golf was never a sport I fancied as I didn’t realise what fun it was striking a ball across a course. Even though I have been a member of Army Golf Club since 2004, I never set foot on a golf course. However, Jahangir Alam, a friend of mine who works at City Bank, once asked me to join the game. So I started practising with Mr Kader at the driving range for six to seven months, right before the pandemic. A d I’ve been playing golf ever since. Now I’m so addicted I can’t stay away from the golf course.
What is it that you like most about golf?
This sport keeps me away from bad influences. You can enter the sport, but cannot get out of it. This sport can be played at any age; doesn’t matter whether you’re a child or an elderly person. Even when I’m physically unwell, I try to play golf. I enjoy the morning sunlight, oxygen and the greenery in golf. Golf may be a bit expensive but it is like a medicine for golfers. It keeps golfers healthy. It builds relationships which other sports cannot.
You have been involved with golf for a long time. How do you see the development of the game in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is making economic and infrastructural progress. Likewise, golf is making progress.
If you talk about our contribution, BPGA is doing its best, under the leadership of Major General Masud Razzak. We are indebted to the Bangladesh Army for maintaining the course in such a great way. BPGA has elected me with highest number of votes this time. I am indebted to the federation members. There are many other sponsors now coming forward. BPGA has a target of arranging at least 20 tournaments this year and we are managing sponsors in that regard. We are also focusing on getting sponsorship for golfers.
You are the managing director of western Engineering Group. How is your company patronising the game?
Our company sponsors seven or eight tournaments every year. We also do this from a societal point of view because we believe golf can keep children away from a lot of bad things. We will keep patronising golf.
Tell something about your business journey.
We have 18 companies in total, employing around 4500-5000 people. I started doing business in 1984. I started with a very small business, which can be compared to a grocery store. Now we have various products and services in various industries.
⇒‘Never give up in pursuit of your dream’
Your life lessons?
What I would say is that it’s good to become a big person, but it’s better to become a good person. We should all aspire to be good human beings. I try to focus on my goal and don’t get distracted by what others are doing.
Are your children looking after your business?
I have four children, one a doctor and another an engineer. All of them have graduated from either the USA or Australia and a couple of them are looking after our businesses.
You are quite renowned for social service. Could you tell us about some of the social activities that you and your company have undertaken?
We have set up educational institutions named after my father and mother; we have set up a hospital to treat people; we have also built mosques and madrasas.
What is your message to business houses like yours?
I urge all wealthy individuals to come and patronise golf and golfers. This will benefit you and your next generation as well as others.
