Khan was born in Kajiati in Mohanganj Upazila, Netrokona on 2 March 1939.
He completed his BSc with honors in soil science from Dhaka University in 1960 and MSc in 1962.
His research topic was Nutrient Metabolism in Soil at High Moisture Level.
He returned to Dhaka University after completion of his PhD in 1968 and was promoted to senior lecturer.
[1] On 25 March 1971, at the start of Operation Searchlight, Pakistan Army attacked his home in Nilkhet residential area.