Washington to Focus on Election and Geopolitics
From Our Correspondent, Dhaka:
Brent Christensen arrived in Dhaka on Monday evening (January 12) to assume duties as the 19th Ambassador of the United States to Bangladesh. He landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a regular commercial flight, where senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy in Dhaka warmly received him.
Warm Reception and Busy First Day
After his arrival, officials from the Protocol Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Ambassador Christensen at the airport. On Tuesday (January 13), he is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Chief of Protocol Nurul Islam.
According to diplomatic sources, on Thursday, January 15, he will formally begin his mission in Dhaka by presenting his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. As part of the preparations, a rehearsal for the credential-presentation ceremony is expected to take place on Wednesday.
Election and Bilateral Challenges
Christensen is taking office at a critical time, as Bangladesh is in the final stage of preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled to be held on February 12. According to the Election Commission’s announced schedule, the nomination submission process has already been completed.
Analysts believe that immediately after assuming office, the new ambassador will face a very busy agenda, focusing on the election process, the democratic environment, and the formation of the next government.
China’s Influence and Defense Strategy
During a US Senate hearing in October, Christensen made several significant remarks. He clearly stated that as ambassador, he would give serious attention to the risk of Bangladesh moving closer to China. He emphasized that protecting US interests in defense and strategic sectors, as well as maintaining regional stability, would be among his top priorities.
A Distinguished Diplomatic Career
Brent Christensen is a senior officer of the US Foreign Service. Bangladesh is not a new posting for him. From 2019 to 2021, he served at the US Embassy in Dhaka as Political and Economic Counselor.
Before being nominated as ambassador, he served at the US Department of State as the Acting Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs.
Personal Message
Upon arriving in Dhaka, Christensen said in a message, “I am very happy to return to Bangladesh, a country I know well. I look forward to strengthening the relationship between our two countries and advancing regional peace and prosperity.”
He has arrived in Bangladesh with his wife, Diane Dow. In a post on the US Embassy’s Facebook page, it was said that they have many fond memories connected with Bangladesh and are excited to begin this new chapter.
