Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 16, 2026 (BSS) - United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen today visited the renowned Baneshwar Mango Market in Puthia upazila of Rajshahi, expressing admiration for the quality and taste of the region's famous mangoes while underscoring the importance of strengthening Bangladesh's cold-chain infrastructure to boost exports.

During the visit, the ambassador toured several mango warehouses and trading centres at the market, one of the largest seasonal fruit hubs in northern Bangladesh. He interacted with mango growers, traders and exporters and learned about the production, marketing and export prospects of Rajshahi's mango industry.

US Embassy Political Counselor Eric Geelan, Political Officer Charles Besnard and other senior embassy officials accompanied him.

As he moved through the bustling market, Ambassador Christensen inquired about different mango varieties and sampled several locally grown fruits. Traders and farmers briefed him on cultivation practices, market trends and the growing demand for Rajshahi mangoes at home and abroad.

Speaking to journalists after the visit, the ambassador said he was delighted to return to Rajshahi during the mango season.

"This is my first visit to Rajshahi as the US ambassador. I visited once before in 2020, but this time I wanted to come specifically during mango season to experience Rajshahi's famous mangoes," he said.

Christensen noted that he comes from an agricultural state in the United States and emphasized the value of experiencing agricultural products at their source.

"There is no substitute for seeing and tasting a product where it is grown. That is where you find the freshest, most diverse and best produce," he added.

Referring to Bangladesh's mango export prospects, the ambassador said mangoes are popular among American consumers, although they are often sold in frozen form and commonly used in beverages and processed food products.

"While mangoes are available in the United States, finding fruit as fresh as what is available here in Rajshahi is difficult," he remarked.

Highlighting opportunities for expanding Bangladesh's agricultural exports, Christensen stressed the need for improved cold storage and cold-chain facilities.

He said strengthening the cold chain would help preserve mangoes for longer periods, ensure year-round availability and support increased exports of frozen mango products to international markets.

Local traders welcomed the ambassador's visit, saying such international attention would help raise global awareness of Rajshahi mangoes and create new opportunities for export growth.

Farmers also expressed optimism, noting that Rajshahi mangoes have already earned recognition beyond Bangladesh's borders and that interest from foreign diplomats could further enhance the sector's international profile.