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The earliest immigrants from the British-ruled Indian province of Bengal accompanied a small number of retired British Indian officers, arriving in the late 19th century. It was not until Bangladesh achieved independence from Pakistan in 1971 that Bangladeshis were counted separately in the Australian census. Bangladeshi migration has gradually increased since the 1970s, the majority of migrants arriving under the skilled migration program.

Between 1991 and 2011, there was a large increase in the number of arrivals. While some followed the previous trend of coming under the skilled migration program, others arrived under family migration or the humanitarian program. As of 2021, the majority of the Bangladesh-born community in Australia aged 15 and over (68.4%) has some form of higher qualifications (i.e., bachelor’s degree or higher). Many work as professionals in the fields of education, health and community services.

The Bangladeshi community in Australia has numerous active social and cultural networks. Such networks help in celebrating Bangladeshi culture and assisting newly arrived migrants settle in Australia.