Karim, who was serving as press secretary to the Awami League president, had a long chequered journalistic carrier. He served as the general manager and chief editor of national news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sanghstha (BSS) during the post-independence period.

A freedom fighter, Jawadul Karim served with the external publicity wing of the Mujibnagar government during the Liberation War.

A fellow of the US Political Science Institute, Karim left behind a daughter, a son and a host of relatives, friends and well-wishers to mourn his death.