The United States has officially appointed Brent Christensen as its Ambassador to Bangladesh, with the veteran diplomat swearing in during a formal Washington ceremony. Deputy Secretary Michael R. McFaul administered the oath, spotlighting Christensen’s unmatched proficiency in U.S.-Bangladesh affairs developed over more than 20 years.
State Department officials praised Christensen’s track record, expressing eagerness for his contributions to expanding trade links and safeguarding U.S. priorities in the region. ‘We look forward to his leadership in strengthening our trade partnership and promoting American interests in Bangladesh,’ the South and Central Asia Bureau stated.
Christensen’s path to this role included a Senate confirmation on October 23, 2025, where he detailed Bangladesh’s vital geopolitical position. He highlighted how its location bolsters a secure Indo-Pacific framework and addressed the nation’s recent upheaval. The August 2024 student uprising ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, setting the stage for landmark elections in early 2025 to chart a fresh course.
This swearing-in coincides with heightened U.S. congressional interest. Just weeks ago, Senate Foreign Relations Committee members penned a letter welcoming Muhammad Yunus’s interim leadership ahead of February polls. Christensen’s deployment underscores America’s strategic stake in Bangladesh’s stability and democratic evolution.
Heading to Dhaka, Christensen is set to navigate complex challenges, from economic revitalization to security cooperation. His extensive background equips him to bridge divides and amplify mutual gains, ensuring Bangladesh remains a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in South Asia.