Ataul Karim is known for his advocacy and writings to improve ranking of universities in Bangladesh, and for containing questionable journal publication and faculty recruitment practices. He serves on the Board of Trustees and/or Advisory Boards of a number of private universities including Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, North South University, and Metropolitan University, Sylhet and the Board of Regents of the North American Bangladeshi Islamic Community, known for its many projects in education, environment, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and relief and rehabilitation.