Abul was born at Barnigram in Tungipara, Gopalganj Mahakuma, Faridpur District, on 4 August 1947. He was admitted to the University of Dhaka to study English with honours, but could not complete his studies. Instead, he joined the news section of the Ittefaq in 1969. Subsequently, he became assistant editor of the Ganabangla (1972–1973) and Dainik Janapad (1973–1974)