Trump Picks Brent Christensen as Next US Envoy to Dhaka

Brent Christensen (File Photo)

US President Donald Trump has nominated Brent Christensen as the next United States ambassador to Bangladesh, marking a key diplomatic appointment at a time when bilateral ties remain significant in trade, security, and regional cooperation.

The White House confirmed the nomination on Tuesday and sent it to the US Senate for approval. Under American law, the president nominates ambassadors, whose names must then be vetted and approved by the Senate before they can officially take up their assignments abroad.

If the nomination receives Senate approval, Brent Christensen will assume office as the new US ambassador to Dhaka. The post has remained vacant since the departure of Peter Haas, who concluded his service in April 2024 after more than two years in Bangladesh. Haas formally retired from the US Foreign Service in September last year.

According to the US Department of State, Christensen is a senior career member of the US Foreign Service with extensive experience in Asia. He is also familiar with Bangladesh, having previously served as counsellor for political and economic affairs at the US Embassy in Dhaka from 2019 to 2021. His earlier posting gave him first-hand knowledge of Bangladesh’s political landscape, economic priorities, and development challenges.

Christensen has held several other important diplomatic assignments throughout his career. His expertise in international relations, political affairs, and economic cooperation is expected to strengthen Washington’s engagement with Dhaka, particularly in areas such as trade, counterterrorism, climate change, and regional connectivity.

Observers note that the appointment of a seasoned diplomat like Christensen reflects the importance Washington places on its partnership with Bangladesh. In recent years, US-Bangladesh relations have expanded beyond development assistance to include discussions on defence cooperation, labour rights, renewable energy, and strategic security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Once confirmed, Christensen will become the 18th American ambassador to Bangladesh since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1972. His arrival is expected to provide continuity in diplomatic engagement and further deepen the multifaceted relationship between Dhaka and Washington.