Rehman ended the resistance of debutant Nazimuddin and former captain Shakib Al Hasan, who both completed half centuries before throwing away their wickets.

Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal bowled Mahmudullah for a duck to take Pakistan within three wickets of the win.

Pakistan's job might get even easier as Bangladesh paceman Rubel Hossain is unlikely to bat after injuring his shoulder while trying to save a boundary the previous day.

Bangladesh began the day with little hope and suffered their first blow in the 10th over when Rehman had Shakib for 51 soon after the all-rounder reached his eighth test 50 with a single off the same bowler.

Debutant Nazimuddin, unbeaten on 41 overnight, also survived some anxious moment before he completed his maiden test half-century with three runs off a Rehman delivery.

Wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal dropped him twice on 51 and 57 but the right-hander was unable to take the benefit of his reprieves.

Two sixes in consecutive overs off Rehman and Ajmal seemed to have given him his confidence back, but the local boy finally paid the price for his aggression when Ajmal took a catch off Rehman at long off, ending Nazimuddin's innings on 78.

Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (34) was at the crease with Elias Sunny (nine) at the break.