Runner Group Chairman Hafizur Rahman Khan urged university students to identify their strengths, adapt to change and develop new skills as he addressed the 18th session of Daffodil International University’s (DIU) Industry-Academia Lecture Series on Entrepreneurship Development at the International Conference Hall of Daffodil Smart City in Savar on 5 October.
The Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Industrial Innovation Center of Daffodil International University organised the session to expose students to practical industry experience, strengthen their entrepreneurial knowledge and connect classroom learning with real-world business practices, the university said in a press release. Hafizur Rahman Khan attended as chief guest and keynote speaker, while Dr Md Sabur Khan, Chairman of Daffodil Group, chaired the programme.
At a “Life Journey Sharing Session”, Hafizur Rahman Khan discussed the ups and downs of his decades-long business career, including his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced while building businesses and the principles and values that shaped his personal and professional development.
“Students should first identify their own skills and utilize those skills to prepare themselves for the future. By adapting to changes and acquiring new skills, they can further advance their careers,” he said.
Dr Md Sabur Khan, Chairman of Daffodil Group and the Board of Trustees of Daffodil International University, stressed the need for closer collaboration between industry and academia.
“Failure should be accepted as an important learning step on the path to success. The real potential for entrepreneurial success lies in moving forward with confidence, patience, and a sense of responsibility while facing every challenge,” he said.
Sabur Khan added that the university’s various initiatives provide students with opportunities to gain practical insights into industry and make more effective use of their skills and potential.
An open question-and-answer session followed, allowing students to ask Hafizur Rahman Khan about starting a business, managing business growth and the realities of Bangladesh’s industrial sector.
Students also presented two analyses during the programme. One examined the business growth and economic contribution of Runner Group of Companies, while the other focused on the financial and operational activities of Runner Automobiles PLC.
The presentations were intended to demonstrate how classroom knowledge can be applied to real-world corporate case studies.
Also present were Professor Dr Masum Iqbal, Pro Vice Chancellor of Daffodil International University; Dr Hamidul Haque Khan, Treasurer of the university; Professor Dr Mohammad Rokibul Kabir, Dean of the Faculty of Business & Entrepreneurship; Professor Dr S M Mahbub Ul Haque Majumder, Dean of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology; and Professor Dr Md Bellal Hossain, Director of the Industrial Innovation Center.
Other deans, faculty members, students and invited guests also attended.
Masum Iqbal highlighted the significance of the initiative, while Bellal Hossain delivered the vote of thanks at the end of the programme.
The Industry-Academia Lecture Series is designed to give students direct access to leading entrepreneurs and business figures, linking academic learning with practical industry experience while developing entrepreneurial thinking, practical knowledge and career readiness.
