Bangladesh US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen visited the traditional Amlapara Sarbojonin Puja Mandap in Narayanganj.

The US Ambassador visited the Amlapara Sarbojonin Puja Mandap in Narayanganj city on Monday (October 19) afternoon. Prior to this, he visited the city’s historic Tea House “Bose Cabin”, where he enjoyed some tea.

While visiting the Amlapara Puja Mandap, “Brent T. Christensen expressed that ever since he heard of about the autumnal Durga Puja, he had planned to visit a Puja Mandap—specifically, one that no U.S. Ambassador had ever visited before”.

To mark the ambassador’s visit, a dance performance set to Bengali music was presented at the Puja Mandap (worship pavilion).  Additionally, a documentary showcasing the traditions and activities of the puja mandap was screened.

Those present during the visit included Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Md. Raihan Kabir, Superintendent of Police Md. Habibur Rahman, business leader Morshed Sarwar Sohel, as well as leaders of the Amlapara Sarbojonin Puja Udjapan Committee, including its president, Prabir Kumar Saha, and treasurer, Sunny Saha.

Also accompanying the ambassador were Alice Kennedy, a political officer at the U.S. Embassy; spokesperson Purnima Roy, Eric Wells, security officer and Sheikh Shibli, a Foreign Service National Investigator.

Meanwhile, as part of the visit to Narayanganj, the U.S. Ambassador toured the historic Panam City in Sonargaon and the Bangladesh Folk Art and Crafts Foundation. During the visit, the ambassador also explored the Jamdani village located within the foundation’s craft complex.