Remarks

Embassy’s Reception for Independence Day

U.S. Embassy, Dhaka

June 23, 2005

Foreign Minister Morshed Khan, ambassadors, distinguished guests, friends and colleagues -- salaam aleikum, nomaskar and good evening.

Tonight, we gather to commemorate the birth of American independence. On July 4, 1776, representatives of the 13 American colonies signed the Declaration of Independence, dramatically declaring their separation from Great Britain but, more importantly, affirming the then radical conviction that all people are created equal and that all people are endowed with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

But on the 4th of July, we Americans celebrate more than history. We celebrate our ideals. This is a time for renewing our commitment to a way of life grounded in the fundamental human rights of free expression, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly and democratic rule based on law, not the narrow interests of a dictatorial or repressive clique.

Today, the appeal of freedom is universal. Freedom-loving people around the world, from Bangladesh to the United States, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, demand what those American colonists first fought for 229 years ago. However, while the appeal of freedom is universal, its practice is not. No celebration of independence or freedom is complete without taking time to remember our brothers and sisters around the world for whom freedom is still just a dream. As the beneficiaries of freedom, we have the opportunity, and the duty, to promote human dignity and human rights. I am heartened that Bangladesh has been an inspiration and a valued partner in this never-ending quest.

As an American, when I think of the 4th of July, my memories drift back to the smells of backyard barbeques, the sounds of fireworks bursting in the summer skies and baseball, the great American pastime. Such distinctively American images may at first glance seem to be a bit removed from Bangladesh, but as a people and as a country we are bound by the shared values of freedom, tolerance and moderation. Throughout our history, Americans have fought for freedom, freedom from foreign rulers, freedom from foreign enemies and freedom from ethnic and religious bigotry. All countries have extremists, fringe minorities who seek to impose their distorted views of humanity by violence and terror. In the United States, we learned that extremists must be recognized and confronted, that these avatars of hatred and violence do not go away simply by being ignored. Whether the battle is at home or abroad, the vigil for freedom must be constant.

As I conclude, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you for your support over the course of my two years in Bangladesh. My family and I are leaving Dhaka in just over a week. We depart with a heavy heart, excited about the future but sad at what we are leaving behind, especially the great friendships we have been privileged to make in Dhaka and throughout Bangladesh. I fear our luggage at the airport will be grossly overweight because we will be taking with us our great, giant and enduring love for 145 million Bangladeshis, their country and, of course, their language.

Apnaderkay aushunko donnobad amader shadhinota dibosher partytay ashar jonno. Ami khub kushi eto beshi bondhura ekhane dekte. Amar jokhon Bangladesh teke chole jete hobe, ami Bangladesher shundor, Bangladesher shangshkriti are Bangladesher lok khub monay korbo.

Many thanks to you all for coming to our Independence Day celebration.

Note:  A Bangla translation of this article is also available from the American Center.  If you are interested in the translation, please call the American Center Press Section (Tel: 8813440-4, Fax: 9881677; e-mail: DhakaPA@state.gov; Website: dhaka.usembassy.gov (New)