Brent T. Christensen

Brent T. Christensen is an American diplomat who has been serving as the United States ambassador to Bangladesh since January 2026. Christensen previously served as the senior official performing the duties of Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security.

Education and early career Christensen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University. He went on to receive a Master of Science in Statistics from Texas A&M University. In 2022, he earned a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College.

Before joining the Foreign Service, Christensen worked as a management consultant in Houston and New York City. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held hearings on his nomination on October 23, 2025. His nomination was favorably reported by the committee on November 20, 2025. Christensen was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 18, 2025, via voice vote. On January 10, 2026, he was sworn in as the ambassador. He arrived in Bangladesh on January 12, 2026. He presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin on January 15, 2026.

Personal life Christensen speaks Spanish, German, and Vietnamese. He has also studied French, Japanese, and Portuguese.