US Ambassador Peter Haas visits cultural and historical sites in Northern Bangladesh

United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen visited cultural and historical landmarks in northern Bangladesh during a three-day tour of the region. Accompanied by his wife, Diane Dow, the ambassador toured the Lokayan Life and Biodiversity Museum in Thakurgaon and the historic Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur on Tuesday.

At the Lokayan Museum in Akcha village, the U.S. delegation explored various galleries dedicated to the cultural heritage, folk traditions, indigenous knowledge, and rural history of northern Bangladesh. The museum, established in 2006 by Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman, executive director of the non-governmental organization Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), preserves artifacts ranging from daily household items to relics of the Liberation War. During the visit, the ambassador and his party participated in a cultural program and sampled traditional local sweets and cakes.

Reflecting on his first visit to the region, Ambassador Christensen expressed his appreciation for the hospitality he received. He noted that exploring such sites provides a unique insight into the region’s character, drawing a parallel to his personal habit of visiting historically significant locations in the United States. His tour of Thakurgaon also included visits to ancient mango groves and local tea gardens.

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Following the museum visit, the ambassador traveled to the Kantajew Temple in Kaharole Upazila, Dinajpur. Upon arrival, he was greeted with a traditional dance performance by indigenous community members. During his time at the temple, the ambassador participated in the lighting of ceremonial lamps and observed the site’s renowned terracotta architecture. He also visited the nearby Nayabad Mosque and planted a Christmas tree on the temple grounds to commemorate the visit.

The tour was attended by local officials and community leaders, including Thakurgaon district BNP president Mirza Faysal Amin, Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Rafiqul Islam, and Police Superintendent Zedan Al Musa. Experts from the Department of Archaeology and representatives of the Raj Debottar Estate were also present to brief the ambassador on the historical significance and architectural preservation of the sites.