US ambassador nominee calls Bangladesh’s next election ‘most consequential in decades’
Brent Christensen, nominee for US Ambassador to Bangladesh, on Thursday described the country’s upcoming polls as “the most consequential election in decades.”
“The United States supports Bangladesh in its journey toward a bright and democratic future,” he told the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations during his nomination hearing.
If confirmed, Christensen said, he looks forward to leading the Embassy team to build strong ties with both the current interim government and its democratically elected successor to advance the US-Bangladesh relationship.
Christensen, who has “over twenty years of experience working on US policy towards Bangladesh,” including a prior tour in Dhaka, made the remarks in his opening statement.
After delivering his statement, Christensen faced questions from committee members.
Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska asked about Bangladesh’s growing military cooperation with “Communist China,” referring to a Chinese-built submarine base in Pekua and Dhaka’s plan to buy Chinese J-10 fighter jets.
“If they finalise the sale, it would lock Dhaka into a decades-long financial and strategic relationship with the Chinese defence industry,” Ricketts said, asking how Christensen would engage with Bangladesh’s leadership to discourage dependence on Chinese platforms.
Christensen replied that he shared the senator’s concern over Chinese influence in South Asia and, if confirmed, would “clearly articulate the risks from Chinese activity… as well as highlight the opportunities and benefits that come with a closer partnership with the United States, especially military-to-military.”
Ricketts also referred to the “Think Twice Act,” a bill meant to dissuade countries like Bangladesh from buying Chinese weapons. Asked what alternatives the US could offer, Christensen said, “One of the things we can do through our US military groups is highlight some of the allied systems that might be more affordable for a country like Bangladesh… and encourage their interoperability with other platforms as we conduct additional military exercises with them.”
Christensen, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, would become US Ambassador to Bangladesh once confirmed.
“Often referred to as one of the new Asian tigers, Bangladesh shows significant economic potential,” he said, adding that he was “honoured by the nomination” and grateful to “President Trump and Secretary Rubio” for their trust and confidence.
Christensen noted that Bangladesh, the world’s eighth most populous country, often does not receive the attention it deserves due to its larger neighbours. He said its strategic location makes it vital to an open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
“Bangladesh is also at a pivotal point. Student-led protests in August 2024 brought down a government that had been in power for 15 years,” he said, noting the nation’s progress toward graduation from least developed country status.
Christensen also highlighted US-Bangladesh economic and humanitarian cooperation. He said if confirmed, he would work to promote US business, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
On the Rohingya issue, Christensen said Bangladesh hosts nearly 1.3 million refugees in Cox’s Bazar. “The disproportionate effort by the United States to fund the response is not sustainable,” he said, urging other nations to step up.
He added that he would work with Bangladesh, the international community, and US partners to find a viable and lasting solution.
Christensen previously served as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Dhaka (2019–2021) and has held various senior diplomatic positions, including at the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
The US Embassy in Dhaka has been without an ambassador since Peter Haas completed his tenure in mid-2024, with chargés d’affaires filling the role since then.
Courtesy:UNB/ Daily Star Online
