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Veteran Bangladeshi actress Shanta Islam has received a Lifetime Achievement Award in Canada, recognising her long-standing contribution to Bangladesh’s television, film and theatre.
The award was presented by the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) at an event held at the Don Valley Hotel and Suites in Toronto.
Speaking from Canada, Shanta Islam expressed her happiness and gratitude for the recognition. She described the award as a special milestone in her career, particularly because it marks the first major honour she has received outside Bangladesh.
Shanta Islam has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in Bangladesh’s entertainment industry. She has appeared in numerous television dramas, stage productions and films, while also working as a television presenter. She was also involved in cultural activities during her student years at Dhaka University.
Over the course of her career, she received several major honours in Bangladesh, including the National Film Award for acting. She was also recognised with the Bachsas Award for her performance in Mayur Singhasan with Aranyak Natyadal.
Reflecting on the Lifetime Achievement Award, Shanta said that recognition from audiences, organisations and institutions provides artists with encouragement and a sense of fulfilment. She also expressed gratitude to the directors, producers, fellow artists and journalists who contributed to her professional journey.
Her career includes memorable television productions such as Rupnagar, along with numerous Bangladesh Television dramas, package dramas and stage performances. She also spent many years working as a presenter.
The award ceremony in Toronto also featured another notable Bangladeshi personality, acclaimed magician Jewel Aich, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the same event.
Shanta Islam is currently spending time in Canada with her only son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. She said being surrounded by her family and meeting friends and well-wishers in Canada has made her visit particularly meaningful.
The recognition from FOBANA adds another international milestone to Shanta Islam’s decades-long career and highlights the continued appreciation of Bangladeshi artistic contributions within the diaspora community.