[1] He matriculated in 1944 from Dinajpur Academy High School and intermediate exams from Ripon College.

On 17 April 1971 he read proclamation of independence of Bangladesh at the oath taking ceremony of Mujibnagar Government.

He was the first minister for Education and Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman cabinet.

Ali was the founding president of the Bangladesh Football Federation, and served his term from 15 July 1972 to 30 June 1973.

In 1975, after the Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman he joined the Khandakar Mushtaq Ahmed government.

[6] In 1977, Ali was the secretary-general Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury fraction of Bangladesh Awami League.