Maruf Rahman

Early Life and Foundation

Born in Dhaka’s Tikatuli, Maruf grew up as the youngest son of Shafiqur Rahman, founder of Rupsha Tyres, and Amena Rahman. In 1986, the family relocated to Banani, where Maruf’s leadership qualities began to shine. From organizing sports tournaments in seventh grade to coordinating the 1999 Banani Bidyaniketan alumni reunion concert, he displayed exceptional organizational skills. In 2003, as Finance and Marketing Director of Swapno Club, Maruf orchestrated a high-profile concert featuring Bangladesh’s top bands, showcasing his early talent for event management and marketing.

Educational Journey

Maruf’s academic path began at Banani Bidyaniketan School, where he completed his SSC in Business Studies in 2001. He continued at Dhaka Commerce College, earning his HSC in Business Studies in 2003. In August 2004, he pursued higher education in Sydney, Australia, completing a Diploma in Business at the University of Wollongong in 2005 and a Bachelor’s in Business (Marketing) from Southern Cross University in October 2008. During his time in Australia, Maruf gained practical experience at Big W, a leading retail chain, where he developed insights into consumer behavior and modern marketing strategies that would later shape his contributions to Rupsha Tyres.

Professional Beginnings and Leadership at Rupsha Tyres

Joining the Family Business

Returning to Bangladesh in November 2008, Maruf joined Rupsha Tyres as Executive Director on November 5, bringing fresh perspectives to the family business. While his brother Miraj focused on production, purchasing, finance, and accounts, Maruf concentrated on marketing, promotion, digital marketing, and IT, driving the company’s brand and technological advancements.

Product Expansion

Initially, Rupsha specialized in rickshaw and cycle tyres and tubes. The company expanded in 2019 to produce tyres for CNG auto rickshaws, easy bikes, mishuks, and motorcycles, significantly broadening its market presence. Alongside Miraj, Maruf challenged the dominance of Indian tyre brands like CNG, Easybike, and Mishuk. At the time, local manufacturers suffered from a poor reputation, particularly in the motorcycle tyre segment, due to their focus on low pricing over quality. Inspired by their father’s uncompromising vision, Maruf and Miraj adopted a bold “quality-first” approach. Though this slowed initial growth, it established Rupsha as a trusted brand and inspired other local manufacturers to prioritize quality, shifting the industry from price wars to competition based on excellence.

Nationwide Engagement

To stay connected with the market, Maruf initiated a year-long nationwide tour in 2009, visiting all 64 districts of Bangladesh to strengthen Rupsha’s presence in urban and rural markets. He continues this commitment by visiting all 64 districts every two years, emphasizing the importance of understanding local needs. Maruf regularly engages directly with end users, mechanics, dealers, and distributors, gaining firsthand insights into customer experiences. He also holds regular video conferences with Rupsha’s sales teams across its seven zones in Bangladesh, ensuring alignment and fostering a customer-centric approach.

Digital Transformation and Innovation

Maruf’s visionary leadership ushered in a digital revolution at Rupsha Tyres, setting new industry standards. He spearheaded the development of customized software to streamline operations across marketing, sales, and IT, achieving full digitization. Maruf personally developed Rupsha’s official website, establishing a robust digital presence that became a benchmark for the industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his strategic pivot to digital marketing grew Rupsha’s Facebook following to over 400,000, making it the second most-followed tyre company page in Bangladesh. In a groundbreaking move, Maruf led the development of Rupsha Tyres’ Android application, positioning the company as Asia’s first tyre manufacturer with a dedicated mobile platform. This innovative solution enables seamless product browsing, order tracking, and direct customer communication, redefining industry standards for customer engagement.

Prolific Writer and Thought Leader

Maruf Rahman is also a dedicated writer, regularly contributing to the Rupsha Tyres blog and Medium, where he shares his deep expertise in the tyre industry, motorcycle maintenance, and transportation trends. His writings position him as a thought leader, offering practical guidance and innovative insights to industry professionals, enthusiasts, and consumers. Maruf’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from tyre care and selection to the evolution of sustainable transportation and the integration of artificial intelligence in mobility. He provides actionable advice on maintaining tyre safety, choosing the right tyres for various conditions, and understanding industry innovations. Additionally, Maruf explores the rise of eco-friendly transport solutions, such as electric rickshaws and e-bikes, and delves into Bangladesh’s transportation policies and infrastructure. His work also addresses global trends, including tyre recycling and AI-driven tools for motorcycle maintenance and purchasing. By debunking myths, promoting sustainable practices, and highlighting technological advancements, Maruf’s writing reinforces Rupsha Tyres’ leadership while enriching public discourse on transportation and environmental sustainability in Bangladesh and beyond.

Breaking Market Barriers

Maruf and Miraj have been instrumental in challenging the dominance of Indian tyre brands, particularly in the motorcycle tyre market, which remains heavily influenced by foreign competitors. By rallying local manufacturers to adopt a quality-first approach, they have shifted the industry toward excellence-based competition. Despite lingering consumer skepticism due to past missteps by local brands, Maruf remains optimistic. His ultimate goal is to establish Bangladeshi tyre brands as market leaders, a vision he pursues with determination. 

Community Engagement and Social Impact

Maruf is deeply committed to community development through sports sponsorships. A firm believer in the transformative power of athletics, he supports local football, cricket, and other sporting events to nurture youth character and community spirit. His philosophy of corporate social responsibility ensures Rupsha’s success translates into meaningful societal contributions.

Personal Life

Maruf married Ishrat Jahan in November 2009. The couple welcomed their daughter, Amina Rahman, in September 2010, and their son, Manaf Rahman, in 2017. His family life reflects the balance of tradition and forward-thinking that defines his professional endeavors.

Legacy and Vision

As Executive Director, Maruf Rahman has masterfully blended his father’s legacy of quality and integrity with modern innovation. Working alongside his brother Miraj, he has positioned Rupsha Tyres as a leader in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector and a pioneer in digital transformation. His multifaceted contributions—as a business leader, digital innovator, and thought-provoking writer—demonstrate his ability to merge tradition with cutting-edge strategies. Maruf’s ambition to establish Bangladeshi tyre brands as dominant forces in the domestic market remains a guiding force, underpinned by his optimism, resilience, and commitment to excellence.