The history of Bangladesh is rich, complex, and deeply intertwined with the broader history of the Indian subcontinent. The region, once part of ancient Bengal, has been a cradle of civilization for thousands of years. It was home to powerful empires such as the Maurya, Gupta, and Pala dynasties. The area flourished under Buddhist, Hindu, and later Islamic rule.

During the 13th century, Muslim rule began and continued through the Mughal Empire, which left a significant cultural and architectural legacy. In the 18th century, the British East India Company took control, and Bengal became a key part of British India.

Following the partition of India in 1947, Bengal was split into two—West Bengal (India) and East Bengal (Pakistan, later renamed East Pakistan). Discontent with political and economic disparities led to a fierce struggle for independence, culminating in the Liberation War of 1971. After immense sacrifice, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation on December 16, 1971.