Newly-appointed US envoy in city

Newly appointed US Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh Brent Christensen said he looks forward to strengthening ties between the United States and Bangladesh to promote peace and prosperity in the region.

The comment came shortly after he and his wife, Deanne Dao, arrived in Dhaka yesterday evening. Officials from the foreign ministry and the US Embassy welcomed them at Dhaka Airport.

“It is an honor for me to serve the United States as the 19th Ambassador to Bangladesh. I look forward to strengthening the ties between our two countries to advance peace and prosperity in the region. My wife and I are thrilled to return to a country that holds many fond memories for us,” Ambassador Brent T. Christensen said, according to a statement of the US Embassy Dhaka.

Diplomatic sources said Christensen will present his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin on January 15, after which he will formally assume office.

The post of US ambassador to Bangladesh had remained vacant for more than one and a half years following the resignation of former ambassador Peter Haas in mid-June 2024.