Iqbal had a diversified and fine mix of all three types of appointment available in army.

[1] Bhuiyan entered the Bangladesh Military Academy on 19 March 1976 at 3rd BMA SSC (Short Service Commission) course and was commissioned on 30 November 1976 in East Bengal Regiment with Md Abdul Mubeen who rose to the rank of full general in 2009.

[5] Bhuiyan held important positions in the Bangladesh Army including Platoon Commander in Bangladesh Military Academy, Colonel Staff of 11 Division, Bogra, Commander of 105 Infantry Brigade and also served as the directing staff of the Defence Services Command and Staff College.

[11] Bhuiyan was appointed of Chief of Army Staff in June 2012 replacing General Md Abdul Mubeen, who was his course-mate.

[13] He invited Indian army chief General Bikram Singh in 2012's October to visit Bangladesh.

[18] On 25 June 2015, General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq replaced Bhuiyan as the Chief of Army Staff.