Openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Leon Johnson compiled half-centuries as West Indies made a steady start on the first day of their 500th Test.
Brathwaite, who struck a double-hundred in last week’s series-opening victory over Bangladesh, and debutant Johnson hit 63 and 66 respectively in a stand of 143 after losing the toss in St Lucia.
The tourists fought back by dismissing the opening pair and Kirk Edwards, but an unbroken partnership of 61 between Darren Bravo and Shivnarine Chanderpaul led West Indies to 246 for three at stumps.
Bangladesh opted to bowl first, like they did in Kingstown when West Indies racked up 484 for seven, and were again frustrated.
With Chris Gayle absent due to personal reasons, Johnson took his opportunity at the top of the order.
The 27-year-old, who required 17 deliveries to get off the mark, struck five fours and a maximum in his 162-ball innings and looked comfortable alongside the in-form Brathwaite.
However, Bangladesh responded by dismissing the openers in the space of 26 balls.
Brathwaite sliced a wide Shafiul Islam delivery to point and, after Johnson edged through the slips, he was trapped lbw by Taijul Islam.
West Indies were soon 185 for three when Edwards, dropped on five, hit Mahmudullah straight to cover.
But just when Bangladesh looked to apply more pressure, Bravo and Chanderpaul kept them out for the remaining 24 overs.
The latter did have a little fortune, though, Nasir Hossain shelling an opportunity in the slips off Al-Amin Hossain to round off a poor day in the field for the tourists.
Bravo hit a quartet of fours and a brace of sixes in an unbeaten 44 while Chanderpaul was more reserved, finding the boundary three times in his 34 not out from 84 balls.