He was the managing director and chairman of SAHCO International Ltd.[2] He served as a member of the Bangladesh Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad) for four terms during 1991–1995 and 1996–2014 representing the Madaripur-3 constituency.
[16] Following the findings, the World Bank alleged that Abul Hossain was a conspirator in the graft scandal regarding the bridge construction project.
[20] Syed Abul Hossain resigned from his post as communication minister due to alleged complain of corruption conspiracy in awarding the contract of Supervision consultancy of Padma Bridge project.
Eventually, the Bangladesh Anticorruption Commission, after detailed investigation and inquiry, found nothing against the accused and dismissed the case.
The Canadian case was dropped in 2017 after Judge Ian Nordheimer found that the RCMP did not have sufficient evidence to justify their initial complaint.
Abul Hossain was also instrumental in creating the initial plan and project development for Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Karnafuli Tunnel, Metro Rail etc.
[21] Syed Abul Hossain was admitted to the United Hospital Limited in Dhaka after suffering a cardiac arrest on 24 October 2023.