Dhaka, July 4 -- In 1776, 250 years ago, our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. In doing so, they asserted what they believed was a fundamental right of all people-the right to self-rule.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

After justifying their decision to seek independence amidst grievances with England, our founders declared "the United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States." The fou...