Washington dc: Nominee for the post of United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, has expressed his intent to strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh's current Interim Government and its future democratically elected government to advance the Dhaka-Washington partnership. "If confirmed, I look forward to leading the Embassy Dhaka team to build strong ties with both the current Interim Government and its democratically elected successor to advance the US-Bangladesh relationship," he stated during his nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Christensen emphasized the US's support for Bangladesh in its journey toward a democratic future. He highlighted that student-led protests in August 2024 led to the fall of a government that had been in power for 15 years. With elections set to take place early next year, Christensen noted the significance of the upcoming polls as a pivotal moment for Bangladesh to choose a new government and direction.
Christensen, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service from Virginia, is set to be appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Bangladesh once confirmed. He pointed out Bangladesh's strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region and expressed his commitment to promoting U.S. business opportunities, reducing trade barriers, and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Furthermore, Christensen addressed the ongoing Rohingya crisis, acknowledging Bangladesh's role in hosting one of the largest refugee populations in the world. He pledged to work with the government of Bangladesh, the international community, and U.S. colleagues to find a sustainable solution to the crisis.
Before his nomination, Christensen served as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Dhaka from 2019 to 2021, bringing valuable experience and insight into his potential role as Ambassador. "It would be an honor to return to Bangladesh as Ambassador to lead the talented men and women of U.S. Embassy Dhaka and advance the US-Bangladesh partnership," he concluded.