At one stage, Bangladesh looked set for a disastrous total after slumping to 116 for 6.
However, Litton stood tall amid the ruins, combining with the lower order to rebuild the innings and register his sixth Test hundred.
Pakistan then safely negotiated the final six overs of the day, reaching 21 without loss at stumps. Openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais remained unbeaten on 8 and 13 respectively, leaving the visitors 257 runs behind.
Bangladesh’s innings began in disastrous fashion after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto elected to bat first. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for a duck off just the second ball of the innings, caught in the slips off Mohammad Abbas.
Debutant Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mominul Haque attempted to steady the innings with a 44-run partnership for the second wicket.
Tanzid impressed with 26 on debut before falling, while Mominul added 22.
Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim then tried to rebuild, but both failed to convert their starts. Shanto made 29 before edging to slip, while Mushfiqur scored 23 from 64 balls before being trapped lbw.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s dismissal for 4 deepened Bangladesh’s troubles as the hosts slipped into serious danger.
Litton then launched a remarkable counterattack. Showing composure and aggression in equal measure, he farmed the strike smartly while receiving valuable support from the lower-order batters.
Taijul Islam contributed 16, while Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam also frustrated the Pakistan bowlers with useful partnerships.
Litton eventually reached his century off 135 balls, registering his third Test hundred against Pakistan.
Shortly after completing the milestone, Litton’s resistance ended, with Nahid Rana becoming the final wicket to fall as Bangladesh were bowled out for 278.
Pakistan’s bowlers enjoyed long periods of dominance, with Mohammad Abbas leading the attack superbly in helpful conditions.
However, Litton’s outstanding innings ensured Bangladesh posted a competitive total after a dramatic opening day in Sylhet.
