US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen has said he is concerned about the broader Chinese influence in South Asia and committed to clearly articulating the risks of involvement with China should Bangladesh choose to go down that path.

Speaking at his first media interaction at the EMK Centre in Dhaka since joining the US Embassy on January 12, Christensen also said that the US will not take sides in Bangladesh’s elections but aims to work with the elected government on trade, economy, security and counter-terrorism.

“The US does not take any side. It is the sovereign decision of the people of Bangladesh who they want,” he said. “I am optimistic about the future of both our countries and look forward to Bangladesh’s historic elections next month.”

Christensen described the February 12 election as the most consequential in nearly two decades and expressed hope that the incoming government will build on existing cooperation with the interim administration. He also highlighted the US policy of prioritising citizens’ interests: “Elected governments should always put their people first. That said, America First does not mean America alone.”

Security cooperation is another priority. The ambassador said the US aims to deepen military-to-military ties, support modernisation, expand peacekeeping capabilities, and help meet Bangladesh’s domestic security needs. “If the United States doesn’t have the appropriate system, we work with partners and allies to meet those needs,” he said.

Regarding the Myanmar-Rohingya crisis, Christensen commended Bangladesh for hosting over a million refugees and noted the US’s ongoing support. In December, the US and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs signed a $2 billion funding framework, which includes Bangladesh, to ensure aid reaches vulnerable communities effectively.

US Embassy Dhaka Spokesperson Poornima Rai also spoke at the event.