Md. Masnunus Salehin’s professional path began with Dragon Air - Cathay Pacific, where he worked as a customer service agent at Dhaka Airport after completing his BBA from United International University. His career took him to Qatar Airways and later Doha Airport, before he paused to pursue higher studies.
He earned his MBA from American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) and transitioned into banking. After a brief stint at City Bank Ltd., he joined Eastern Bank Ltd. (EBL), where he has been serving for nearly nine years, and currently, he is an Associate Relationship Manager in Priority Banking.
While Salehin thrived professionally, the demands of banking—tight targets, client meetings, and family commitments—were exhausting. Seeking balance, he turned to nature and found solace in trekking, exploring rivers and forests, and escaping Dhaka’s bustle on weekends. His love for the outdoors eventually led him to running, a passion that began during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Picture: Md. Masnunus Salehin.
His first ultramarathon—the Coastal Ultra 50K on Marine Drive—marked a turning point. He later conquered another 50K in Shamshernagar’s tea garden area, embracing the challenge with determination. Over time, Salehin completed more than 100 races, each one teaching him resilience and discipline.
One memorable 50K tested his limits. Exhausted and close to quitting, he revived himself with lemon drinks and pushed through the final kilometers alone. He finished within the cut-off time—without a single DNF (Did Not Finish) to his name. That experience reshaped his mindset: discipline became his mantra.
Picture: Md. Masnunus Salehin.
Salehin joined Team Dhanmondi, a renowned community for running, cycling, and swimming as a moderator, and he now serves as an admin. His training regimen includes strength training, long runs, interval sessions, and hill work around Dhanmondi Lake’s bridges. He emphasizes holistic fitness—combining strength, nutrition, and rest—to prevent injuries and enhance performance.
Warm-ups, he insists, are vital. Even a 10–15-minute routine can prevent injuries. He encourages event organizers to include group warm-ups, such as Zumba, which are often overlooked by beginners. For Salehin, running isn’t just physical—it’s mental therapy. “Life in banking is stressful,” he says, “but running clears the mind.”
Running also fuels his love for travel. Races across Bangladesh let him discover new landscapes and promote local tourism. Beyond the finish line, he values community—training, traveling, and motivating others. This camaraderie transforms running into a shared journey rather than a solitary pursuit.
Picture: Md. Masnunus Salehin.
When he joined ActivePulse as a race marshal. The organization, headed by people such as Md. Tanvir Hasan and Morsaline Ahmmed have a reputation for delivering high-quality events and driving improvements. He felt he could help and eagerly took on the challenge. As a race marshal, ensures participant safety, hydration, and coordination during events. He also encourages runners along the way. He says good planning and communication are key to a successful race, which is what ActivePulse Bangladesh aims for.
In the future, he foresees tremendous growth in running in Bangladesh. He sees more races and race organisers, which is good. But he cautions about the lack of coordination and competition. Conflicting events can alienate runners and undercut efforts. He urges organisers to work together to create a community. He's focused on quality. He wants fair pricing, proper jerseys, hydration, and healthy food after the race. Seemingly small details, such as a chip-timing solution, are important. He stresses the need for reasonable prize money for those who put in time and effort to win a podium.
Salehin’s story bridges diverse worlds—aviation, banking, travel, and endurance sports. Each chapter taught him perseverance and gratitude. He credits his family, friends, colleagues, and loyal customers for their unwavering support. His journey is proof that passion, discipline, and community can turn any career into a limitless adventure.
