Washington, Oct 23 (V7N) — Brent Christensen, the United States’ ambassador-designate to Bangladesh, has pledged continued American support for Bangladesh’s democratic progress ahead of the country’s upcoming national election, expected early next year.

During his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday, Christensen described the 2026 general election as “one of the most significant in decades,” emphasizing that the United States wishes to stand by Bangladesh as it moves toward a brighter and more democratic future.

If confirmed by the Senate, Christensen will lead the US Embassy in Dhaka, working with both the current interim government and the next elected administration to strengthen bilateral relations.

A career diplomat from Virginia, Christensen is a member of the US Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Counselor. He was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as US Ambassador to Bangladesh. “Bangladesh is often called the next Asian Tiger. The country holds tremendous promise, and I am deeply honored and grateful for this nomination,” Christensen said.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s strategic importance, he noted that the country’s geographic position makes it a key partner in ensuring a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Referring to recent political changes, he said Bangladesh entered “a new chapter” following the student-led movement in August 2024 that ended a 15-year government’s rule.

Christensen commended Bangladesh’s economic progress, noting that the nation is on the verge of graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category — a reflection of its people’s resilience and determination.

On the Rohingya issue, he praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian role in hosting one of the world’s largest refugee populations for more than eight years. He said the United States and the international community have played vital roles in supporting these efforts but urged broader global participation to make the assistance sustainable in the long term.

Christensen previously served as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Dhaka from 2019 to 2021 and earlier worked at the State Department as a Bangladesh and Pakistan Desk Officer. His diplomatic career has also included postings in Manila, San Salvador, Riyadh, and Ho Chi Minh City.

The ambassadorial position in Dhaka has remained vacant since mid-2024 following the end of Ambassador Peter Haas’s tenure. Tracy Ann Jacobson currently serves as Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Bangladesh.

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