US Ambassador Brent Christensen expresses delight at returning to Bangladesh

The newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, has expressed his joy at returning to the country, stating he is "very happy" to be back in a nation he knows well.

The US Embassy in Dhaka announced the development on its official Facebook page around 9 am on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

The post welcomed Ambassador Christensen, who was recently sworn in, and quoted him as saying, “I am thrilled to return to Bangladesh, a country I know so well. I am excited to lead a great team at Embassy Dhaka, Americans and locally employed staff alike, to enhance US-Bangladesh relations, advance President Trump’s agenda, and work hard every day to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

The swearing-in ceremony took place on the afternoon of January 9, 2026, at the US State Department. 

US Under Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas administered the oath of office.

A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Brent Christensen brings extensive experience to the role. He previously served as Political and Economic Counselor at the US Embassy in Dhaka from 2019 to 2021. 

His other postings include Manila, San Salvador, Riyadh, and Ho Chi Minh City. 

More recently, he served as Foreign Policy Adviser to the US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) from 2022 to 2025 and held senior roles in the State Department, including as Senior Official performing duties of Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security.

President Donald Trump nominated Christensen in September 2025, and the US Senate confirmed him in December 2025, making him the 18th US Ambassador to Bangladesh. 

He succeeds Peter Haas, who served from March 2022 until July 2024. Following Haas's departure, the embassy operated under Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, most recently Tracey Ann Jacobson (who assumed the role in January 2025), after an earlier interim period led by others like Tracy Ann Jacobson and Megan Bouldin.

Christensen's prior experience in Bangladesh and his focus on strengthening bilateral ties, trade, and strategic engagement are expected to guide his tenure, especially as Bangladesh prepares for key developments including its upcoming elections and LDC graduation aspirations.

The ambassador is set to arrive in Dhaka soon to assume his duties.