[5] Returning to the University of Dhaka, Ahmed joined the faculty as an assistant professor in the Department of Soil Science.

Ahmed is credited with developing a process that preserved nutrients in soil and later released them according to the needs of the vegetation.

By that time, the position of prime minister was considered the top political role in the Bangladesh government.

[citation needed] Ahmed was sworn in as the Chief Advisor of the Caretaker Government at 8:00 pm (Bangladesh standard time) on 29 October 2006 after the main political parties failed to agree on another candidate.

Iajuddin Ahmed as Chief Advisor was to oversee the forthcoming elections, planned for 22 January 2007, while continuing his responsibilities as president.

[citation needed] Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League and her allies demanded Ahmed's resignation, but he declined.

The President's advisor, Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury, met with Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia in an attempt to convince both parties to take part in the election.

[citation needed] At the last minute, on 3 January, Awami League and its allies withdrew from the election, jeopardising the country's stability.

Opponents of the military intervention were concerned about the threat to democracy, but many others were relieved to have professional technocrats leading efforts to stabilise the country and reduce corruption in the government.

He appointed the former Justice Fazlul Haque as Interim Chief Advisor and imposed a state of emergency.

Ahmed left office on 12 February 2009, after Zillur Rahman, an Awami League leader, was sworn in to succeed him as President of Bangladesh.

The 75-year-old president underwent a successful by-pass heart operation at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.

[18] After developing kidney-related complications, he spent more than a month on life support[18] before dying on 10 December 2012 at Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.