He received his Honors from Rajshahi College in and finished his master's degree in political science in 1953 from the University of Dhaka.
He also took part in the Language Movement from Dhaka University in 1952 and at the end of the year became the Chairman of the newly born Students' Union.
After the separation of political party NAP, Sultan joined the faction led by Maulana Bhasani.
After the beginning of Martial law in Pakistan in 1958, Sultan was again arrested and served in jail for four years without any specific trial.
He was a lifetime member of Bangla Academy and vice-chairman of Bangladesh Book Publishers Committee.