Shams-ul-Huda’s contributions to sports have marked him as a prominent figure in sports. He was a renowned football player, employee, insurance company manager, later a businessman, social worker, political figure, and a unique sports organizer from Jessore. In recognition of his contributions, the modern stadium in Jessore was named “Shams-ul-Huda Stadium”. Additionally, the introduction of the “Shams-ul-Huda Gold Cup” in football stands as a testament to his legacy. It was through his efforts that major games took place in Jessore.
Shams-ul-Huda was born in 1918 in Jahurpur village, Bagharpara, Jessore, into a respected Muslim family. His father, Sheikh Abul Bari, worked at the Jessore Civil Court, and his mother was Mosammat Ashrafun Nesa. His grandfather was Sheikh Nyat Tullya, and his maternal grandfather, Qazi Jalil Uddin, was from Singia Rai village in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah. Shams-ul-Huda was the eldest among two brothers and five sisters. His younger brother, Sheikh Nurul Huda, was a Superintendent of Police (SP). He studied at Sammilani School and Jessore Zilla School, later passing matriculation from Kaliganj Hat Pool, and earned his IA and BA from Jessore MM College. In his career, he worked at Ahmad Ali Sardar’s contracting firm and served as divisional manager in Khulna Muslim Insurance Company before venturing into business. He married Jahanara Khatun of Jhenaidah and was a father of five sons and six daughters.
In 1930, while in eighth grade, Shams-ul-Huda first played football for “Jessore Sammilani Institution” as a goalkeeper. Due to his skill, the renowned “Chittaranjan Club” accepted him into their ranks. Later, in 1939, while at the district school, he became a regular player for the All Bengal Champion team in inter-school competitions. He showcased his skills in Jessore League for Town Club, Young Muslim Club, and Jatindra Mohan Club. His journey as a sports organizer began with founding the Young Muslim Club.
After the partition of India in 1947, many players and sports organizers left for India, leaving a void in Jessore’s sports arena. In 1950, with his active support, the “Jessore District Sports Association” was formed, and he became its General Secretary in 1952.
Initially, he achieved success as a player and referee but eventually excelled as a sports organizer. For 36 years, he served as the General Secretary with dedication, fostering the Jessore sports community and making it vibrant. With 56 years dedicated to sports, he considered the field and athletes as his family. From a tin-shed stadium to an exemplary stadium in the country, his relentless effort, sacrifice, and passion were selfless.
The foundation stone of Jessore Stadium was laid in 1959 with bricks from his ancestral house. At times, he used his own business and salary to fund sports activities when government aid or local sports enthusiasts’ support was insufficient. Due to his tireless work, several prominent football players emerged in the country, many of whom gained fame in clubs like Mohammedan, Abahani, Wari, and Azad Sporting. Under his adept management, the Jessore district team won the national football championship in 1976 and earned runner-up titles in both football and hockey several times. Through his efforts, the first National Athletics Competition was held in Jessore outside Dhaka. In 1977-78, the “Bangladesh Sports Writers Association” honored him as the Best National Sports Organizer. For his dedicated contributions, he was posthumously awarded the highest national sports honor, the “National Sports Award.”
Shams-ul-Huda’s hard work left an indelible mark on Jessore’s sports community. Besides his role in the district sports association, he held numerous national roles, serving as a member of the National Sports Control Board, Football Federation, and Cricket Control Board. Before independence, he was a member of the “East Pakistan Sports Federation.”
During his student life, Shams-ul-Huda was active in the Muslim Student League and later held roles in various social organizations. He served as Vice Chairman of the municipal council and played a significant role in various development activities. He was Vice President of “Jessore Institute,” “Jessore Shilpakala Academy,” and “Jessore Club.” Additionally, he was the founding president of “N.M. Khan Primary School,” president of “Mahmudur Rahman Higher Secondary School,” “Uposhohor College,” “Family Planning Association,” “BAVS,” and vice president of “Jessore Red Cross.” He was also actively involved with “Jessore Railway,” “Women’s College,” “Nobo Kisholoy Kindergarten School,” “Momin Girls School,” and “Jessore Alia Madrasa.” Furthermore, he contributed to the “Khulna Divisional Sports Association,” “Bangladesh Football Federation,” “Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation,” and “Bangladesh Athletics Federation.” The pride of Jessore and Bangladesh’s sports community, Shams-ul-Huda passed away on February 14, 1987, at the age of 70
