The history of Bangladesh, a region steeped in rich cultural and political developments, traces its origins to ancient times. Initially known as Bengal, it was a significant part of various regional empires, including the Mauryan and the Gupta Empires. During medieval times, Bengal flourished under the Bengal Sultanate and Mughal rule, renowned for its trade and wealth, particularly in the muslin and silk industries.

The 16th to 18th centuries marked a period of economic prosperity and cultural renaissance in Bengal. However, this era came to an end with the advent of British rule in the 19th century. The British East India Company's control over Bengal after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 led to significant economic changes and the introduction of the Permanent Settlement in 1793.

British rule witnessed the emergence of modern education and socio-religious reform movements, spearheaded by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy. The Partition of Bengal in 1905, although annulled in 1911, sparked a strong surge in nationalist sentiment.

The early 20th century was marked by the Bengali Renaissance, which played a crucial role in the socio-cultural development of the region. The Bengal Famine of 1943, a devastating humanitarian crisis, was a turning point in Bengal's history, exacerbating anti-British sentiments.

The decisive moment came with the Partition of India in 1947, resulting in the creation of East and West Pakistan. Predominantly Muslim East Bengal became East Pakistan, setting the stage for future conflicts due to linguistic and cultural differences with West Pakistan. This period laid the groundwork for Bangladesh's eventual struggle for independence, a significant chapter in South Asian history.