The history of mail and postage stamps of Bangladesh includes the development of postal services in Bangladesh during the periods when the country became part of British India (1757-1947) and Pakistan (1947-1971) and the independence of the state (since 1971). In general, the postal system of Bangladesh retains the features of the British one. Own postage stamps have been issued since 1971. Bangladesh has been a member of the Universal Postal Union since 1973.