As Chairman of Building Technology & Ideas (BTI), one of Bangladesh’s pioneering real estate companies, Arshi Hyder is widely known for his leadership, strategic clarity, and commitment to excellence. Yet beyond the boardroom, he has carved an equally meaningful identity on the fairways of Bangladesh. His golfing journey spanning more than two decades is shaped by passion, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the sport and its community.
How did golf come into your life?
I have always been involved in sports. I played cricket until I was 40, but when I felt I was too old to continue, I switched to golf. That’s how my journey with the sport began.
Do you remember your first round of golf? When was it?
No, I don’t remember the first round. Though I remember the first tournament I won. That was the President’s Cup in 2001 at the Kurmitola Golf Club. I was playing at that time with a 20 handicap. And if I remember correctly, I had played six below my handicap and won the tournament.
What initially attracted you to this game? Is the challenge, the lifestyle, or the commitment?
I think it’s the physical activity of being involved with the sport. That was the most important one that was active.
How would you describe the way golf has evolved in Bangladesh since you first started?
I think some good players have come to the game in recent years. When I started playing golf, they were Chan Miah & Babu, but the scenarios have changed now. We get players like Siddikur Rahman, Jamal Hossain -we are very proud of them.
But, if you ask me, as a golfer, am I happy with what we have been able to achieve? I’m not. I think we could and should have done a lot more. The Bangladesh Golf Federation takes the power into its hands now. Let’s hope they come up with new ideas, suggestions to bring out better players. Because every time they go to any tournament, they come home with a bad result. It’s bad for them. It’s bad for the country. I think it’s debranding, the country. And it’s bad for their own self-confidence as well. So when you go, you should go prepared with the attitude that I’m going to win this. My suggestion would be that the young golfers get their standard up to that level, at least before you carry the flag.
What similarities do you see in a successful business and playing an upgrade round of golf?
I think really there is much in common, like as one thing in golf is, I guess what I have learned is that it has got a lot of relevance to our real lives, where the more risk you take, the more the reward can be. And, if you are greedy, you can be in big trouble as well. So it is only likely to have a golfer; if you take too many risky shots, you will end up in the water. You will end up with the lost ball and lose the tournament completely. So, you have to play it safe. But if, for this fear, you are completely not going to take any kind of chances, any risks, then you will not win in the long run. You’ve got to take some chances to win and should take them moderately.
Over the years, you must have played on many courses. Which ones have made the strongest impression on you or whoever?
In general, I’ve played in many parts of the world. But one that has left a very strong impression on me is the Trump National in Los Angeles. It’s a very well-designed course. It’s a very beautiful course. And most importantly, the greens there were the most difficult greens I’ve ever played. And they reflect, also, the character of the president, who, of course, is because of a desire not to have a breakaway left. That’s because of very much like his character- unreliable and unpredictable.
Who are the players you enjoy playing with? Any mentors or companions who have influenced you in golf?
I enjoy playing with my friends who are here. We’ve got a big golf community, a big bunch of friends. And, this is our social life. This is also our community.
There’s a great bond and friendship between us. And these are the people I enjoy playing with. I do not have any fascination to go and play with any big superstar or whatever, but of course, I will not say no if Rory McIlroy came and told me, actually, let’s go and play a round of golf, I certainly will not say no, but I think my, preference as far as enjoyment is concerned, is to play with my friends.
You have been a mentor of TheGolfHouse magazine since its inception. What inspired your involvement with this publication?
Which is to promote golf for the betterment of golf. I think it is obligatory on all of us who have such a strong connection with golf. Golf has given us so much pleasure, so much joy, so much happiness, that if we can give back to golf, then that is our obligation and our responsibility to do that. So when Ian took up the sand at that time, it was an impossible project that he was taking up. It was, I thought that his crazy, and I hope I don’t. But then he proved us all wrong because from absolutely nothing, he has built it up to what it is today, which is a very, very, I think, commendable achievement.
How do you feel about the golf course and the growth of golf in Bangladesh over the past decade?
Well, I think that golf, first of all, to get the magazine that comes out regularly, it gives, even if I’m not, in the country, it gives me an insight into what’s happening in golf and, and, and I enjoy reading it and that, you know, it, gives an interest, in golf.
It keeps my interest alive in golf. A lot of the younger kids are highly motivated by golf. Forbes magazine and the water meter, and the tribute to Roger. Yeah. So they are very enthusiastic. So that is also a contributor, plus it is holding these tournaments as well, which are, which is promoting golf. The last thing I think is that a corporate tournament was called corporate. It was a very, very well-organized, excellent organized, tournament. And yeah, I mean, these are the contributions that I think are positive.
As the 10th anniversary, what message would you like to share with TheGolfHouse’s leaders, partners, and the next generation of customers?
I wish the best for TheGolfHouse and encourage everyone to keep up the good work. It’s important to think ahead because you can’t keep doing the same things every year. You need to come up with new and exciting ideas. I’m glad to see that TheGolfHouse already thinking about many possibilities. Ayon, the founder of TheGolfHouse mentioned bringing the DP World Tour and the Japanese Tour to Bangladesh. However, making this happen requires effort from people outside the Bangladesh Golf Federation who can take a proactive approach. Currently, our country has fewer golf courses than a small town in North America. We have a limited amount of land, so we need to be realistic. It’s unlikely that we can produce world-class golfers in Bangladesh. I say this not out of pessimism but out of realism. However, golf can help improve Bangladesh’s image as a successful and growing country. This positive image can attract foreign investment, which is crucial for our development. I believe this is the most significant benefit golf can offer our country.
If you could change how Hank at golf is perceived or played in our country, what would it be if I could change one thing?
I don’t know, I really don’t have an answer for that. I’ll have to think about that. I have not had a chance to think about that.
What advice would you give to young professionals who are discovering as good as old athletes?
That is something that I can give some advice to that you don’t waste your life if you don’t have the talent. Be sure that what you are pursuing is not just because Siddik or Jamal has done well, but also that you have to be honest with yourself. Do you have the talent to also compete at the highest level? If you don’t, if you don’t feel confident about that, don’t waste your life on golf. So. But if you are confident, then approach your profession totally professionally. That means you have to work, watch your diet. You’ve got to watch your health. You’ve got to go to the gym. You’ve got to work out. You have to spend hours in practice. You cannot have a cigarette. Okay, so we can use the actor model carefully. You can’t do any of that.
You’ve got to be totally regimental and dedicate your whole life to your profession. Be serious about it. You know, Tiger Woods, a lot of people know about this. He said that the day I go to the golf driving range in the morning, and I see somebody has gotten there before me, it spoils my whole day. And that’s probably one of the most talented golfers who has ever walked the planet. He’s saying that this is my work ethic. If I see that somebody has reached the driving range before me, my day’s spoiled.
What does that even mean to you today after all these years on and off the course?
Golf is now an important part of my life. It brings me great joy every day. I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing a game I love, and being part of a lively and healthy community. For me, golf ranks high on my list of priorities, right after my family.
I see golf and my business as equally important. They hold the same value for me. So, in one sentence, golf benefits from the contributions of many people over the years.
