Shams was born on 3 August 1966, in the prominent Abu Bhuiyan family of Mirsharai.

[1] Shams was commissioned into the Armored Corps in 1986, he participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions as a Military Observer in Bosnia and Croatia (1995–96) and as a Staff Officer at the UN Force Headquarters in Liberia (2005–06).

[1] During court proceedings regarding the 2009 BDR mutiny at Pilkhana, defence counsel accused prosecution witness, Shams, of orchestrating the carnage.

Defence lawyer Amdadul Hoque Lal alleged that Sham's leadership during the event earned him a favorable posting and questioned why key officers of the 44 Rifles Battalion, which Shams commanded, were unharmed.

[3][4] Shams had previously testified as the fourth prosecution witness, detailing the events of the mutiny, including processions of rebel soldiers and his escape.