Iqbal, popularly known as Henry, was the vice-president of students' unions at Jagannath College and Dhaka College. He actively took part in the language movement. He was also the joint secretary of the National Democratic Front.

A powerful actor, Iqbal played a pioneering role in establishing the Drama Circle, a theatre group. He was also the district governor of Rotary International District-3280.

He authored three books -- two of which are 'The Third Eye' and 'The Babri Mosque', and the third one is a book of jokes.