It is the first infantry division of the Bangladesh Army that was raised post-independence.

The division started under the command of Major General Mir Shawkat Ali, headquartered at Sher-e-Bangla Nagor in Dhaka.

The division completed its organizational structure with the induction of 9th Artillery Brigade on 22 March 1976.

[citation needed] On 31 May 1984, the divisional headquarters was permanently moved to Savar Cantonment.

[citation needed] On 20 September 2013, 99th Composite Brigade was added to the division,[citation needed] made up of 58th East Bengal Regiment, 34th Bangladesh Infantry Regiment and 20th Engineering Construction Battalion to provide security and support during the construction of the Padma Bridge.