An attacking midfielder he achieved most of his laurels while playing for Abahani KC in the Dhaka League during his 10-year spell with the club starting in 1977.
Later in the season they reached the SF of the Aga Khan Gold Cup, but lost 2–0 to the eventual champions Sepid-Rud club of Iran.
The final match of the season between Abahani and MSC started with Abahnai only needing a draw to secure the title.
The exciting match was heading for a 2–2 draw till Babul scored an injury time winner.
His long time midfield partner Ashish also won the national sports award in the same year.