US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen said he was impressed by Barishal’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people during his first visit to the region on Sunday. After arriving in the morning, he travelled by boat and launch and visited a floating market. Speaking to journalists, Christensen described Barishal as a very beautiful place and said he greatly enjoys boat travel. He said the area is defined by rice, rivers and canals, and praised the beauty of Barishal city.

The Barishal Press Club organised a launch trip on Sunday afternoon to mark the ambassador’s arrival. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, Barishal City Corporation administrator Bilkis Akhtar Jahan Shirin, Barishal University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Mamun Or Rashid, officials and journalists attended. The minister said Bangladesh and the United States have close relations, including economic ties, and expressed hope that Christensen would return to Barishal.

During the visit, Christensen toured the historic Miyabari Mosque in Raypasha-Karapur Union of Barishal Sadar and viewed its architecture. He also visited the adjacent Uttar Karapur Government Primary School, observing classes and asking about the learning environment. Before arriving in Barishal, he visited the Bhimruli floating guava market and guava orchards in Jhalakathi, learning about local life, guava cultivation and river-based livelihoods.