Hossain soon found himself called up for the Bangladesh U-19 cricket team for the 2003–04 Asian U-19 Tournament in Pakistan, but he didn't find much success, taking only 2 wickets in 3 appearances, as Bangladesh lost all their group stage matches and failed to progress to the final. His run in the team continued, however, as he was picked for the 2004 U-19 Cricket World Cup as Bangladesh played hosts. In the group stage he played in all 3 matches, taking 5 wickets, as the team progressed to the Plate competition of the Cup. For the Plate final, he took a wicket as Bangladesh defeated Australia to finish ninth out of sixteen. He finished with six wickets at an average of 28.50, and was named by Cricinfo writer Rabeed Imam as the fastest bowler and one of the most promising players in the tournament.