Through folk traditions, rural life, river-eroded landscapes, love and separation, and creative use of regional language, he built a distinct poetic language in Bengali poetry. His widely discussed poetry collections 'Lok Lokantor', 'Kaler Kolosh', and especially 'Sonali Kabin' published in 1973 established him as one of the leading poets of Bengali literature.

One of his famous lines is:

“I have no gold coins,

Do not demand dowry, O deer,

If I cannot give,

These two hands without a marriage contract.”

Besides poetry, he made significant contributions to children's literature, novels, and journalism. His notable works include 'Pankourir Rokto', 'Kobi O Kolahal', and the war-based novel 'Kabiler Bon'.

On the occasion of his birth anniversary, the Poet Al Mahmud Research Center and Memorial Council in Brahmanbaria has organized a three-day remembrance festival.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Bengali language and literature, he was honored with the Bangla Academy Literary Award and the Ekushey Padak, among many other accolades. He passed away on February 15, 2019.