Riaz first appeared onscreen as a side role in filmmaker Dewan Nazrul's social action drama Banglar Nayok (1995).

[4] He began a full-time career in film with a leading role in the highly successful romantic drama Praner Cheye Priyo (1997).

Riaz was in Dewan Nazrul's commercially successful 1995 film Banglar Nayok,[10] although the movie did not bring him personal popularity.

[11] In 1997, Mohammad Hannan's romantic film Praner Cheye Priyo was an extraordinary commercial success, and Riaz became popular soon after.

He has acted in some literary adaptations, and in his career he has portrayed many consecutive roles to wide critical acclaim in films such as Dui Duari (2000), Shasti: Punishment, Megher Pore Megh: Clouds After Cloud and Shyamol Chhaya: The Green Shadow (2004), Hajar Bachhor Dhore: Symphony of Agony (2005), Bidrohi Padma and Khelaghar: Dollhouse (2006), Daruchini Dip and Ekjon Songe Chhilo (2007), Megher Koley Rod: Sunshine in the Clouds, Ki Jadu Korila and Chandra Grohon: The Lunar Eclipse (2008), Ebadat: The Worship (2009) and Modhumoti (2011).

Riaz also acted in Ogni Bolaka a drama that is based on Birshreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman's life.

[15] Riaz married Mushfika Tina, a Tv host, also a dance teacher, in a traditional Muslim wedding ceremony on 18 December 2007.