I was right when I wrote a blog post titled, “Here is the role that the United States has to play in international relations.”
I wrote: “Long-term ties in international relations are developed by extending a helpful hand to a country or population in need. A helpful hand that pulls people out of crisis. A hand of cooperation that alleviates pain, leading to the establishment of a strong bond between nations.”
This morning, as an American, I was proud to learn that President Trump authorized military action to liberate the people of Venezuela, who were oppressed by Nicolas Maduro.
For months now, I have been talking about Venezuela, hoping for strong military action against Maduro. Deep inside, I could feel the pain and suffering of the Venezuelans. And to understand my thoughts, one must understand my background.
In the country where I was born, Bangladesh, there was a brutal dictator who ruled for over a decade and a half. Sheikh Hasina had the title of Prime Minister but was a dictator who formed a regime that carried out extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances and violated human rights. After a massive Gen Z uprising in 2024, Hasina fled. A new government was formed, led by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
For all these years since coming to the U.S., as American citizens, my mother and I could not make even a short trip to Bangladesh, because of the Hasina regime and the violence. I lost my maternal grandmother years ago and have not been able to visit her grave.
The Hasina regime forcefully confiscated private property, and my family has been a victim. Hasina weaponized the legal system in Bangladesh, so people could not seek justice. I have spoken about this very openly.
When I learnt about U.S. military action and the capture of Maduro, I could feel the joy of the Venezuelans, similar to the joy of the Bangladeshis after the departure of Hasina.
Today, a friend (originally from Venezuela, lives in the U.S.) wrote to me that she has tears in her eyes knowing that she may finally be able to visit her grandmother’s grave and that it is something very precious that was taken away from her by a dictator (Maduro). That reminded me of my own grandmother’s grave in Bangladesh.
As an American, I am proud that the U.S. removed Maduro from power.
Days ago, I wrote:
“The fight for freedom is ongoing in various parts of the world. There are many areas around the world where people still live in fear. Brutal dictators and ruthless authoritarian regimes still suppress the rights of people. For many human beings, freedom is still just a dream.
People yearn for liberty. Many people in various parts of the world still hope for a day when they would be able to express their thoughts without the fear of persecution.
As the most powerful country in the world, we have a role to play in international relations.
God has given the United States of America the power and influence so we can spread the message of freedom.”
God bless America!