[2] In 1979, Shimul began playing in the Bogura First Division League after gaining experience from high school football.

The following year, he was an integral part of the Freedom Fighters gaining promotion and finished the season with the league title and highest scorer award with 16 goals.

[3] In March 1986, Bangladesh national team coach, Abdul Hakim, gave Shimul his first international callup for the 1986 Pakistan President's Gold Cup.

[4] The same year, after his consistent performances in the league, Shimul was included in the national team for the 1986 Asian Games held in Seoul, South Korea.

[5][6] Shimul's father Aftab Hossain played in the Calcutta Football League for Kalighat Milan Sangha FC and George Telegraph SC.