Islam joined the Bangladesh Civil Service police cadre in 1991.[4] Islam was the assistant superintendent of police of Armed Police Battalion-6 in Barisal and Armed Police Battalion-8.[4]
In September 2014, Islam was appointed deputy inspector general of Bangladesh Police headquarters.[5]
Deputy Inspector General Md. Atiqul Islam was transferred from police headquarters to Highway Police replacing Mallick Faqrul Islam who was transferred to Special Branch in October 2016.[6] Islam was the chief of the Highway Police from 6 November 2016 to 2 July 2019.[7] He was replaced by Barrister Mahbubur Rahman.[7] He was the president of President of Bangladesh Police Handball Club.[8]
In May 2021, Islam was promoted to additional inspector general from deputy inspector general.[9] He was serving as the chief of River Police/Naval Police.[9] He is a director of Community Bank Bangladesh Limited.[10] He called for increased invigilation over police case investigations.[11] In December 2023, he ordered the police to increase raids to find stolen cellphones.[12]
Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government, Islam was sent into forced retirement along with additional IGP Anwar Hossain and additional commissioner Md. Asaduzzaman.[13]