In the hushed pre-dawn stillness of Dhaka, as the city slowly stirs to life, two individuals are already immersed in a ritual that transcends profession, age, and ambition. AF Nesaruddin FCA, senior partner at Hoda Vasi Chowdhury & Co and Member of the Capital Market Reform Task Force, and his son, Ahmed Humayun Murshed, founder and CEO of Accfintax Accounting, are not preparing for meetings or client calls. Instead, they are headed to Kurmitola Golf Club, where fairways and flagsticks have shaped a lasting legacy that binds father and son.
Their story is one of tradition, passion, and discipline. For Nesaruddin, the journey into golf began in 2005. Encouraged by a junior colleague, he picked up a club out of curiosity but quickly discovered how golf’s demand for precision and control echoed the values of his own profession. “As an accountant, attention to detail and patience are everything. Golf, I found, mirrors that perfectly,” he shares. What began as a recreational interest soon evolved into a daily routine—except for Fridays, when he devotes time to coaching his grandson at the driving range.
While the father discovered the game in his mid-career years, the son’s introduction came much earlier, gently nudged into the sport by his father’s early morning enthusiasm. “He would wake me up before sunrise and take me along to the course,” Murshed recalls. “At first, I was just tagging along. But as I began to understand the rhythm and culture of the game, I started falling in love with it myself.”
That affection deepened over time. Today, Murshed has become an accomplished golfer in his own right, having played on some of the world’s most iconic courses including St. Andrews in Scotland and Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada. With two hole-in-ones at Kurmitola Golf Club under his belt, his passion for the game is undeniable. Professionally, he has steered Accfintax—an integrated advisory firm offering services in accounting, finance, taxation, and IT—into a one-stop corporate solution provider with a growing international presence, including a hub in Dubai. His leadership, marked by innovation and resilience, mirrors the quiet strength he brings to the course.
Despite their shared love for golf, the two rarely play together. “He’s too good,” Murshed says with a laugh. “And I’m too competitive when we do play. There’s always this healthy tension.” Nonetheless, golf remains a cornerstone of their relationship. “Even when we’re not playing side by side, we talk about the game constantly,” Nesaruddin says. “He knows my preferences—clubs, balls, gloves, even the golf shirts. This one I’m wearing, he brought from Dubai.”
More than a pastime, golf has been a teacher for both father and son. “It’s not just a game,” explains Nesaruddin. “It’s about emotional control—fear, anger, greed. If you can learn to manage those on the course, you’re better equipped to handle challenges in life.” Murshed agrees, adding, “Golf is really a game against yourself. Just like in business, you must master discipline, remain ethical, and stay mentally composed.”
Their golfing journeys have unfolded in parallel with the evolution of the sport in Bangladesh. In the early 2000s, golf was still finding its footing among a limited audience. “When Army Golf Club opened, it really sparked momentum,” recalls Nesaruddin. “From then on, more professionals joined, courses became more competitive, and the sport started to gain traction.”
Now, the golfing landscape in Dhaka is bustling. “Very few cities offer what Dhaka does—two international-standard golf courses within a short drive from anywhere in the city,” says Murshed. “The infrastructure has grown, and with more local pros coming up, I genuinely believe Dhaka is on its way to becoming a regional hub for golf.”
Their global golfing adventures have also enriched their perspectives. Nesaruddin reminisces about the Miyazaki golf course in Japan, where he competed in a senior amateur championship. “It was an amazing experience,” he says. “The course was challenging, the greens were immaculate, and we had golfers from 80 different countries participating.”
They’ve also competed in Vietnam’s Da Nang, playing alongside international amateurs in picturesque settings. Murshed’s journey has taken him to the historic fairways of Europe and the desert courses of the Middle East. Among his favourites is the Abu Dhabi Golf Club—a former European Tour venue known for its technical demands and strategic layout. “I remember losing a few balls in the water hazards there,” he chuckles. “But that’s what makes it fun.”
Back home, despite demanding work schedules, both make room for golf. For Nesaruddin, it’s a matter of disciplined planning. “My diary includes everything—client meetings, family obligations, and yes, daily golf,” he says. “If you manage your time well, there’s room for everything.” Murshed, who juggles international operations and strategic growth, tries to play as often as possible. “I stretch, hit a few balls at the range, and then tee off. It clears my mind before a full day of work.”
Their shared commitment to the game has also inspired others. Nesaruddin has played a pivotal role in introducing golf to the professional community. “Over the years, I’ve encouraged around 80 Chartered Accountants to join golf clubs,” he says. “Recently, we even organized the first-ever Chartered Accountants Golf Tournament in Ramu, which received a fantastic response.”
Their commitment to giving back is reflected in corporate sponsorships as well. Accfintax has supported youth-focused tournaments at both Army Golf Club and Kurmitola Golf Club—promoting the game among students from Government Laboratory High School and Notre Dame College.
Beyond the greens, Nesaruddin shares what he calls the “Golden Rules” of golf: keep your eye on the ball, ensure a slow backswing with a full follow-through, maintain a firm but relaxed grip, choose clubs according to the shot and obstacles, understand green slopes, and play within your physical capacity. “Follow these,” he advises, “and you’ll be a solid golfer.”
As golf gains ground across Bangladesh, both father and son stress the importance of youth development. “Even kids as young as five or six should be introduced to golf,” says Murshed. “With proper training and consistent engagement, we can build a new generation of talented golfers in Bangladesh.”
Their story is a testament to how golf can shape not just a person, but a family—and even a nation. It’s a journey of values passed down through shared rounds, a bond strengthened by quiet discipline and enduring respect. In AF Nesaruddin and Ahmed Humayun Murshed, we don’t just witness a golfing duo—we see two generations united by principles, purpose, and an unwavering love for the game.
Through initiatives like sponsoring student tournaments and founding the Chartered Accountants Golf Tournament, they are actively shaping the future of golf in Bangladesh by engaging youth and professionals alike.
Nesaruddin has introduced over 80 Chartered Accountants to the sport and recently led the first-ever Chartered Accountants Golf Tournament in Ramu—blending professional networks with golfing culture.
Both believe golf teaches life’s biggest lessons—controlling fear, greed, and anger. Their advocacy emphasizes golf not just as a sport, but as a tool for character-building and ethical living.
Through Accfintax’s sponsorship of student golf tournaments at Army Golf Club and Kurmitola, the father-son duo is fostering young talent and bringing golf to schools like Government Laboratory and Notre Dame College.
