The Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) was first conceptualized by the Bangabandhu Government in 1974. The decision of the government reported by the Daily Sangbad says, establishing of the National Press Institute including facilities such as hotel, cafeteria, auditorium and library with a view of enhancing journalism and training of journalists in the country is under government’s active consideration. Officially PIB was established on the 18th of August 1976 by a resolution through notification in the Bangladesh Gazette, Extraordinary, Registered No. DA-1,  published by authority.

The function of PIB was conceptualized in four distinct domains considering the needs and realities of the time. Thirty four years back the media horizon was limited, there were few journalists, communication and media technologies were traditional and people’s expectation from media and journalists was not as high as it is now-a-days.

The present realities are different. A mediated society is going to emerge in Bangladesh. This changing perspectives demand new look out and programmatic interactions from PIB. The 'Vision 2021' of the present government along with its programmes on social change (Din Bodoler Karmasuchi) and Digital Bangladesh has added new dimension to the conceptual premise of PIB. Under the able policy guidelines of the Ministry of Information, PIB has reconceptualized its vision and functions.