Hossain completed his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master of Science in Traffic and Highway Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 1959 and 1963 respectively. He also studied at Strathclyde University in United Kingdom and earned the degree of Masters of Engineering.
Hossain was the first Chief Engineer of Rural Workers’ Programme in Bangladesh. From 1973-1980 he worked as the Project Director of this program He joined BUET as a visiting Professor in 1980.
He worked as the Chief Technical Consultant of International Labor Organization in Sierra-Leone during 1980-1989 and Uganda during 1989-1990.
He was the President of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (Brain–computer interface) for two terms. Hossain was the President of International Labour Conference from June 2009 to June 2010.
He was President of Colombo Process, a forum of 11 Asian labour sending countries. The 4th Ministerial Consultation of Colombo Process was held in Dhaka from 19-21, April 2011 under his Chairmanship.
