Published : 01 Sep 2026, 06:34 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:37 AM
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen has visited the Lokayan Jibon Boichitrya Museum in Thakurgaon, where he praised the hospitality of the local people.
The ambassador visited the museum, located in Akcha Union of Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his wife, Diane Dow.
During the visit, the ambassador and his wife toured the museum’s Grassroots Folk Gallery, Plainland Ethnic Communities Gallery, River Gallery, Liberation War Gallery, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Gallery, Folk Dolls and Toys Gallery, Musical Instruments Gallery, Science Gallery, and Tree Gallery.
They showed keen interest in the historical and cultural artifacts, objects used in rural life, traditional musical instruments, and collections highlighting nature and biodiversity preserved in the galleries.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Ambassador Christensen said: “This is my first visit to this part of Bangladesh, and the experience has been truly wonderful. As the US ambassador, it is a real pleasure for me to see Bangladesh’s cultural and geographical diversity and to experience new regions of the country.”
Praising the hospitality of the district, he said, “I have enjoyed wonderful hospitality in Thakurgaon. I had a traditional breakfast here and tasted some sweets that I had never eaten before. I also visited the Lokayan Jibon Boichitrya Museum. I had the opportunity to enjoy different cultural performances here, including music and dance.”
Christensen said, “When I travel, I generally like to visit special attractions along the roadside—that is, unique places that I might not otherwise have the opportunity to see.
“In keeping with that, last Monday I had the opportunity to visit the Surjapuri mango tree in Baliadangi Upazila of Thakurgaon, which is considered the oldest and largest Surjapuri mango tree in South Asia. I also visited a huge tea garden in the area.”
The US ambassador said, “I have had some wonderful experiences in Tetulia, Panchagarh and Thakurgaon, and I am certain that I will have more such experiences during the rest of my trip. Thank you all very much.”
