United States Ambassador Brent T. Christensen called on Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher at the minister's office in the Bangladesh Secretariat. Photo : Ministry

DHAKA, July 15, 2026 (BSS) – United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen called on Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher at the minister's office at the Bangladesh Secretariat today.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed further strengthening the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and the United States, said a PID handout.

They also exchanged views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including the housing sector, the National Building Code, urban development, affordable housing for the general public, and the development of public spaces and parks.

During the meeting, the minister sought US cooperation in establishing the Bangladesh Earthquake Safety and Research Institute (BESRI) to strengthen the country's earthquake disaster management capacity.

In response, the ambassador assured his support in facilitating contacts with experienced US experts in the field.

Christensen also expressed the interest of various US organizations in contributing to the development of Bangladesh's housing sector.

The meeting was attended by the secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, along with other senior officials from the ministry and the US Embassy.