Bangladesh set West Indies 287 to win in five and a bit sessions and the home side managed to bat less than two sessions, all out for 185 in Jamaica on Tuesday.
The Bangladeshis had lost their last seven Tests in the Caribbean, including the first one of this series in Antigua last week.
"This was enjoyable," Bangladesh stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said.
"We were not thinking negatively. The boys bowled especially well. Nahid (Rana) in the first innings, Taskin (Ahmed) and Hasan Mahmud. Second-innings specialist Taijul (Islam) got five wickets. He was excellent. He has been very good for the last 10 years, more than 200 wickets for us."
It all comes to an end at Sabina Park.— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) The #MenInMaroon retain the series trophy with the series leveled 1-1.#WIvBAN #WIHomeForChristmas pic.twitter.com/Whe5guLWM4December 3, 2024
On a pitch offering some grip and the odd low bounce, spin came into play and left-armer Taijul took advantage with 5-50, his best overseas figures in two and and half years and his best figures in the West Indies since his Test debut on the same ground in 2014.
As West Indies wickets began to tumble — the last six for 42 runs — Jaker Ali's innings for Bangladesh grew in importance. Jaker made a career-best 91 and was last man out in the visitors' second innings just before lunch.
That gave West Indies a target of 287, which was gettable. But on a ground where the highest successful run chase was 212, that record remains.
"The batting group needs consistency," West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who scored 39 and 43 in Kingston, said.
"Consistency and hard work as well. I believe we have the talent."