Dhaka, Sept 3, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Brent T. Christensen to serve as the next American ambassador to Bangladesh, according to a White House announcement released on September 2. His name appeared alongside nominees for India and the United Nations, but his posting—if confirmed—would return him to familiar ground in Dhaka.
Christensen, a career diplomat, previously served as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka from 2019 to 2021. Earlier in his career, he was the Bangladesh Country Officer in the State Department’s then–Office of Pakistan and Bangladesh Affairs.
Since Ambassador Peter D. Haas completed his tenure in July 2024, the U.S. mission in Dhaka has been led by a succession of Chargé d’Affaires: Helen LaFave, Megan Bouldin, and most recently Tracey Ann Jacobson, who has overseen the embassy since January 11, 2025.
Christensen’s diplomatic résumé spans multiple regions and policy areas. He has served as deputy director for regional security and arms transfers, handled North Korea policy, and held economic counselor roles in Manila and San Salvador. He also worked as vice consul in Ho Chi Minh City. Most recently, he was the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) from August 2022 to January 2025.
His academic background includes a Master’s in National Security Strategy from the National War College, a Master’s in Statistics from Texas A&M University, and a BA in Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University. He is fluent in Spanish, German, and Vietnamese, with additional language studies.
If confirmed by the Senate, Christensen would assume his post at a pivotal time in U.S.–Bangladesh relations, which are marked by growing trade ties, climate cooperation, and evolving security concerns.
The Senate confirmation process is expected to draw attention from both policymakers and foreign policy observers, as Christensen’s return to Dhaka brings a blend of institutional memory and global strategic perspective.
