He stepped into the world of poetry with his youthful and defiant verses in mid-seventies. His first collection of poetry Michiler Soman Boyashi (As Old as the Procession) still shines as a symbol of rebellious youth. He has published over 19 books of poetry. He is currently serving as the principal secretary to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Kamal received the Bangla Academy Literature Prize in 2011 and is a fellow of Bangla Academy and life member of Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. He has served as the Bangladesh representative to UNESCO Executive Board, and was the president of its Conventions and Recommendations Committee.