Postage Stamps and Postal History of Bangladesh Through Time

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Quota Movement in Bangladesh
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Bangladesh has a rich postal history that spans centuries, and the country's postage stamps reflect its cultural and political evolution.

The first postage stamp of Bangladesh was issued in 1972, just after the country gained independence from Pakistan.

The stamp featured a portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding father.

Bangladesh's postal history is closely tied to its struggle for independence, with many stamps commemorating key events and figures from that era.

The country's postal system was established in 1854, during the British colonial era, and was initially known as the East India Company's postal service.

Over time, the postal system expanded and modernized, with the introduction of new technologies and services.

Bangladesh Stamps

Bangladesh has a rich history of issuing postage stamps since gaining independence in 1971. The first set of stamps featured a national map and eight other designs, marking the beginning of a diverse collection.

Over 500 varieties of stamps have been released, covering a wide range of themes, including Animals, Architecture, Communication, Culture, Diplomatic Relations, Historic Events and Figures, and many more. These stamps offer a glimpse into Bangladesh's cultural tapestry.

Credit: youtube.com, Stamps of Bangladesh - Hobbies Centrale

Our collection features unused items, such as Exhibition Covers, First Day Covers, Miniature Sheets, Sheetlets, and Miniature Sheet FDCs, among others. These items are perfect for collectors and philatelists.

Bangladesh has released stamps in various years, with notable releases including 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, and so on. Here's a breakdown of the number of stamps released by year:

Bangladesh has released a wide variety of stamps over the years, with some years having more releases than others.

Postal History of Bangladesh

The postal history of Bangladesh is a fascinating story. Until 1971, the stamps of British India and subsequently those of Pakistan were used in Bangladesh.

The first stamps issued by Bangladesh were local hand-stamped overprints on Pakistani stamps, featuring the name of the country in Bengali and/or English. These overprints exist in many varieties, although they're not listed in worldwide catalogs.

The first definitives of Bangladesh were also issued in 1971, marking a new chapter in the country's postal history.

History of Stamps

Close-up Shot of Postage Stamps
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up Shot of Postage Stamps

In 1971, Bangladesh began issuing its own postage stamps after gaining independence. The first set consisted of eight stamps featuring a range of designs, including a national map.

The country has released a diverse collection of stamps, with over 500 varieties encompassing various themes such as Animals, Architecture, and Culture. These stamps have celebrated Bangladesh's heritage, achievements, and global connections.

From 1971 to 2024, Bangladesh has issued stamps every year, with the exception of 1993. The number of stamps released each year varies greatly, ranging from 2 in 1971 to 48 in 2021.

Here's a breakdown of the number of stamps released each year:

Timeline of Postal Service

The postal service in Bangladesh has a rich history that spans over two centuries. The East India Company established the first postal system in Bengal in 1765, which later became the foundation for the modern postal service in Bangladesh.

The first postal stamps were introduced in 1854, featuring the image of Queen Victoria. The stamps were a significant innovation in postal communication, allowing people to send letters and packages across the country.

Traditional wooden boats on the sandy shores of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh under a clear blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Traditional wooden boats on the sandy shores of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh under a clear blue sky.

In 1876, the postal system in Bangladesh was reorganized, and a new post office building was constructed in Dhaka. This marked a significant milestone in the development of the postal service in the country.

The postal service continued to expand, and by 1885, there were over 1,000 post offices in Bangladesh. This expansion enabled people to send mail and packages to remote areas of the country.

In 1947, Bangladesh gained independence from British colonial rule, and the postal service was nationalized. The new government took over the management of the postal service, ensuring its continued operation and expansion.

The postal service continued to play a vital role in the country's communication network, and by the 1990s, it had expanded to include a network of post offices, postal stations, and sorting offices. Today, the postal service in Bangladesh remains an essential part of the country's communication infrastructure.

Postal Reforms

The postal reforms in Bangladesh have been a significant aspect of the country's postal history. The first major reform was the establishment of the Bangladesh Postal Service in 1972, which replaced the Pakistan Postal Service.

Credit: youtube.com, The forgotten history of Bangladesh's postal origins.

In 1983, the Bangladesh Postal Service was reorganized and divided into four zones, each responsible for a different region of the country. This move aimed to improve the efficiency and reach of postal services.

The introduction of the Automated Postal System in 1996 was another major reform. This system enabled faster and more accurate processing of mail, reducing the time taken for mail to reach its destination.

The use of postal codes was also introduced in 1996, making it easier for mail to be sorted and delivered. Prior to this, mail was sorted based on the sender's address, which often led to delays and misdeliveries.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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