US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen said the friendship, mutual cooperation, cultural ties and people-to-people bonds between Bangladesh and the United States will grow even stronger. He also affirmed the US commitment to continued cooperation on developing and preserving Bangladesh’s archaeological heritage.
The ambassador made the remarks while speaking with reporters on Tuesday after visiting the historic Kantajew Temple in Kantanagar, Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur. The visit was organized by the district administration and the Rajdebottar Estate.
“Through this cordial visit, we hope to further strengthen the friendship, mutual cooperation, cultural ties and people-to-people bonds between Bangladesh and the United States. Our cooperation on archaeological development will also continue in the days ahead,” the ambassador said.
On arrival at the temple, the ambassador was given a formal guard of honor. He was then welcomed by the Rajdebottar Estate, led by District Commissioner and Trustee Md Rafiqul Islam, with floral greetings, a ceremonial scarf, a crest and gifts reflecting local folk culture.
The ambassador then toured various parts of the temple, where he was briefed in detail on Kantajew Temple’s history, architectural style, terracotta ornamentation, and its archaeological and cultural significance. Dr D C Roy of the Rajdebottar Estate briefed the ambassador on the temple’s historical background.
After the tour, Ambassador Christensen recorded his impressions in the Rajdebottar Estate’s visitor book.
Accompanying him were his wife, Diane Dao, and protocol officer Clarian. Also present were Dinajpur District Commissioner and Rajdebottar Estate Trustee Md Rafiqul Islam, Superintendent of Police Jedan Al Musa, Additional District Commissioner S M Habibul Hasan, Deputy Director of Local Government Sheikh Hafizur Rahman, Additional District Commissioner Md Mazharul Islam, Kaharol Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mokleda Khatun Mim, Rangpur Divisional Regional Director of the Department of Archaeology Dr Ahmed Abdullah, and Kantanagar Archaeology Officer Sihab Hossain, among other officials.
The ambassador and his party were welcomed with traditional local religious rites. Mallika Das and her associates greeted the guests with a religious performance, and a local Indigenous cultural troupe welcomed them with a dance performance.
Kantajew Temple, located in Kantanagar in Dinajpur’s Kaharol upazila, is one of the country’s most significant archaeological landmarks. Built in the 18th century, its walls are covered in striking terracotta ornamentation, widely regarded as a unique testament to ancient Bengali art, culture and history.