According to maritime history, South Asian people sailed to the Pacific Islands with wooden sailing ships around 50,000 BC. Through such sea excursions, human civilization spread to various parts of the globe.

Bangladesh is a maritime nation with one of the largest river networks, largest bays, largest deltas, longest uninterrupted sea beach, oldest seaport, over 60,000 seafarers in the first half of the 20th century, ancient wooden shipbuilding heritage, and modern ocean-going shipbuilding impulse. In addition, by safely recycling old ships, we are maintaining a green shipping industry! During the 13th to 18th centuries, wooden ships labeled "Made in Bangladesh" were used in Turkey, China, Portugal, and Germany. Therefore, Bangladesh possesses rich maritime heritage

Following World War II (1939–1946), the global landscape was rapidly altering. In 1947, Pakistan and East Bengal (now Bangladesh) gained independence from British domination. Then, the Pakistani government of the time considered creating several industrial training institutes. In 1952, a plan to build a marine academy close to the Bay of Bengal had been approved. The intended academy was to be located at Juldia Point (Valleys of Juldia-Rangadia) near the mouth of the Karnaphuly River in the Bay of Bengal. It's interesting to note that Juldia Point was taken into consideration because of its location because it was nearly like a ship but wasn't floating for the purpose of creating a "ship-like environment"! Such suitable facility/location was unique in the country and was not available from Suez to South-East Asian countries except India. (Project Plan - Growth

Basic infrastructural construction started. The budget for the establishment was Taka 31.19 lakhs in 1952, rose to Taka 53 lakhs in 1959, and then reached Taka 58.3 lakhs in 1961. 22 Nautical Cadet Officers and 22 Marine Engineering Cadet Officers were trained as part of the inaugural programme, which was completed. The newly constructed "Mercantile Marine Academy" began operations on September 3, 1962.

Then, in 1971, the then-Pakistani government abandoned this Academy during our Great Liberation War. Immediately after liberation, This academy was restarted as Marine Academy, Bangladesh i.e. Bangladesh Marine Academy with appointing Capt. (Merchant Marine) M L Rahman as the Commandant (first Bangalee Commandant).  Bangabandhu also took a project titled “Development of Marine Academy (1973-1980)” and could raise the Academy at the forefront of maritime professional excellence in South Asia.

In consideration of the growing demand for skilled marine professionals in the international market, Four Marine Academies were inaugurated (Pabna, Barisal, Sylhet, and Rapur) in Bangladesh on the golden jubilee of independence on May 6, 2021.