US envoy hails Bangladesh’s plains tea cultivation in Thakurgaon

United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen has praised the potential and hard work of Bangladeshi people, saying they could make rapid progress if given proper support and cooperation.
“We want to work for the development of Bangladesh. The people here are very hardworking. If you cooperate with them, they will progress quickly. 
We will always be with you,” he said during a visit to Thakurgaon on Monday. The ambassador’s wife, Diane Dao, and a delegation from the US Embassy accompanied him.
The ambassador visited Sultan Tea Estate in Nitoldoba village along the Baliadangi border area in the afternoon. Tea estate owner Faizul Islam Hiru, district BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin and government officials welcomed him. Expressing his appreciation for seeing tea cultivation on flat land for the first time in Bangladesh, Christensen said, “I have never seen tea on the plains. I am happy to see tea cultivation on the plains for the first time in Bangladesh.”
He toured different parts of the tea estate and spoke with workers about their work and livelihoods. He also expressed satisfaction at the prospects of tea cultivation in the region.
Additional District Magistrate Golam Ferdous, Additional Superintendent of Police Alamgir Rahman and officials from different government departments were also present.
Later, Christensen visited the historic Suryapuri mango tree in Harinmari area of Amjankhor Union in Baliadangi. The more-than-200-year-old tree is considered one of Thakurgaon’s heritage landmarks and is known for its exceptionally large spread, covering around two bighas of land.
The ambassador toured the site and expressed interest in the tree’s age, size and historical significance. His visit highlighted his interest in Thakurgaon’s agricultural potential and local heritage, particularly its plains tea gardens and traditional Suryapuri mango tree.