Earlier, he served as military secretary to the prime minister as well as to the chief adviser of the caretaker government.

In the Bangladesh Army he served in various capacities, including as GOC, Brigade Commander, Commandant, Commanding Officer, General Staff Officer and Director of the Welfare Directorate.

Maj Gen Ishtiaq visited a number of countries, including China, Thailand, USA, Cambodia, UAE, Turkey, Nepal, Romania, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, UK, France, Malaysia, Russia, KSA, Ukraine, Indonesia and Germany.

He did his Masters in defence studies and is a graduate of the Defence Services Command and Staff College and also a graduate of the National Defence College.