US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen on Wednesday said the United States has a long history of maintaining contact with all political parties in Bangladesh, irrespective of whether they are in government or in opposition.
He made the remarks during an interaction with journalists at EMK Centre in Dhaka.
The ambassador said he has known Bangladesh’s political landscape for more than 20 years and has friends across the political spectrum, adding, “Whichever party forms the government after the February 12 election, we are committed to working with them.”
Responding to a question about his assessment of Bangladesh following the July mass uprising, Christensen recalled his first visit to the country in February 2004 as a tourist.
“I visited friends at the US Embassy, traveled to different places, went on boat trips and explored parts of Dhaka. I remember there was only one tall building in Gulshan at the time,” he said.
He said his association with Bangladesh runs deep, having served as a desk officer at the US Embassy in Dhaka from 2005 to 2007.
“I have worked with BNP government, the caretaker government during 1/11, Awami League government and now with the interim government,” he added.
The ambassador reiterated that the United States does not take sides in Bangladesh’s elections.
“Who forms the next elected government is the sovereign decision of Bangladeshi people alone. No other country has the right to comment on that. It is the sovereign right of the people of Bangladesh to vote and choose their government,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, Christensen said Bangladesh has undergone significant changes since August 2024 and that more changes are likely ahead.
“The people of Bangladesh have spoken and they will again have the opportunity to express their will in the February 12 election,” he noted.
He also highlighted the strong potential for further improvement in US-Bangladesh relations, citing opportunities for cooperation in economic development, business, trade and security.
“I am very much looking forward to working with the people of Bangladesh,” the ambassador said. “Like you, I am eager to see the outcome of the election and explore what we can achieve together.”
SH
