Bangladesh, trailing by 106 runs, were 1-93 in their second innings at tea on the third day of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Monday.
Opener Jahurul Islam was unbeaten on 32 at the break with Mohammad Ashraful one not out.
The hosts were earlier bowled out for 346 in their first innings in reply to Bangladesh’s 240.
Kumar Sangakkara (139) and Dinesh Chandimal (102) were the main scorers for Sri Lanka, while off-spinner Sohag Gazi took three wickets for Bangladesh.
The opening Test ended in a draw.