Two hundred and thirty-nine years ago, the United States of America was founded on the belief that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These are values that continue to ring true for millions of Americans to this day.
Over the years, however, our beliefs evolved to include an ever more diverse American people. We believe that all men – and women – are created equal. We believe that all people – from Mayflower descendant to recent immigrant, from deaf to hearing, from Mormon to Muslim, from gay to straight – are entitled to certain unalienable rights, which our democracy continuously strives to recognize and protect. These beliefs, among others, are not unique to America.
Bangladesh, too, has strong democratic roots and a constitution that protects individuals’ rights. It is because of our shared values that the relationship between America and Bangladesh is so vibrant, multi-faceted, and indispensable. With a Bangladeshi diaspora half a million strong living in every corner of the United States, hundreds of thousands of other Bangladeshis who have studied or lived in the United States, and a growing number of Americans who visit or live in Bangladesh, it is the people of our two countries who are, more than ever, driving our relations forward. We invite our Bangladeshi friends and partners to join us in celebrating the birth of our nation on July 4.
Over the years, however, our beliefs evolved to include an ever more diverse American people. We believe that all men – and women – are created equal. We believe that all people – from Mayflower descendant to recent immigrant, from deaf to hearing, from Mormon to Muslim, from gay to straight – are entitled to certain unalienable rights, which our democracy continuously strives to recognize and protect. These beliefs, among others, are not unique to America.
Bangladesh, too, has strong democratic roots and a constitution that protects individuals’ rights. It is because of our shared values that the relationship between America and Bangladesh is so vibrant, multi-faceted, and indispensable. With a Bangladeshi diaspora half a million strong living in every corner of the United States, hundreds of thousands of other Bangladeshis who have studied or lived in the United States, and a growing number of Americans who visit or live in Bangladesh, it is the people of our two countries who are, more than ever, driving our relations forward. We invite our Bangladeshi friends and partners to join us in celebrating the birth of our nation on July 4.
MARCIA BERNICAT
US Ambassador,
Dhaka, Bangladesh
