Shahidul Islam Mintu was born and raised in Rajbari, Bangladesh. From a young age, Mintu demonstrated a strong commitment to his studies and a passion for writing. Aspiring to work in the media industry, he immersed himself in books and newspapers, expanding his knowledge on topics such as politics and world history. Growing up in a business-oriented family, he was encouraged to work hard and excel. Alongside his academic pursuits, Mintu actively participated in debates, wrote poetry, and served as the long-time captain of his school’s Boy Scouts. He was a top student in his class and regularly contributed his poetry to local newspapers, while also performing drama and poetry in his community.

Mintu graduated from Rajbari Government College, where he won the Champion Trophy in Cultural Week every year. He then earned a Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) and a Master of Social Science (MSC) in Sociology from Dhaka University. After completing his education in Bangladesh, Mintu moved to Canada to further develop his skills. 

In Canada, he pursued professional development through several courses:
• Documentary Making at the Canadian Screening Society
• Journalism at Seneca College, Toronto
• Digital Marketing at Google Digital Garage
• Social Service Work (SSW) at Canadian Business College, Toronto
• Leaders of Learning at HarvardX, an initiative by Harvard University

MEDIA CAREER
Shahidul’s media career began in Bangladesh, where he worked as a journalist for Daily Aajker Kagoj and Khoborer Kagoj. He later joined Bangla Bazaar, serving as the Entertainment Page Editor and eventually as the Local News Page Editor. During his time at Bangla Bazaar, Mintu founded Nandonik Telefilm, a media production house through which he produced numerous drama and documentary films, including the acclaimed Devdas, the first beta-formatted film in Bangladesh. 

He also served as the elected President of the Bangladesh Cultural Reporters Association (BCRA) for two terms (1994–1996 and 1996–1998).

After immigrating to Canada in 2004, Shahidul launched several successful media initiatives:
• The Bengali Times (2008): Canada’s most popular Bengali online newspaper.
• The Weekly Bangla Mail (2012): The largest-circulated Bengali print newspaper in Canada.
• NRB TV (2016): Canada’s first 24-hour Bengali television channel, which remains one of his most successful ventures.

In 2015, Shahidul initiated the Bangladesh Festival, an annual celebration of Bengali culture. 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
In addition to his media work, Shahidul founded Click Art BD, a leading outsourcing company in Bangladesh, and serves as the Chairman of Toronto Home Builders Inc. He is also a co-owner of the Bangladesh Plaza, a shopping complex located in Toronto’s Banglatown at Danforth and Pharmacy Ave.

Shahidul has actively contributed to his community through various leadership roles:
• Director of the Conservative Party of Canada’s local riding (2014–present).
• Member of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada for over 20 years.
• Official Director of the committee that built the International Mother Language Monument
(Shahid Minar) in Toronto.
• Director of Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services (BCS) for 12 years, the longest-running
Bangladeshi-Canadian charity.
• Director of the Bangladesh Business Chamber of Canada (BBCC) since 2017.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Shahidul has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to media, culture, and the
Bangladeshi-Canadian community, including:
• Bangladesh Cultural Reporters Award (2001)
• Canada National Ethnic Press and Media Council Awards (2011, 2012, 2013)
• Canada Heritage Awards (2016, 2017, 2018)
• Canada 150 Years Celebration Award (2017): Presented by Toronto Mayor John Tory
• Taste of Bangladesh Award (2019)

Shahidul Islam Mintu remains a passionate advocate for Bangladeshi-Canadian business
development, cultural promotion, and community empowerment.