Sraboni Hoque

Every time I think of Bangladesh as a country, I picture a land of opportunity, potential and lots of possibilities. But being an immigrant abroad, sometimes I question myself if I have betrayed my motherland some how.
Our country needs to be nurtured. There’s so much room for love out there. Why else would our forefathers fight for its freedom if it weren’t for their love of our motherland? I ask myself this, and then try to think of ways I can chip in, even if it’s a little, towards my homeland.
Every household requires a certain contribution from all its members. All of us who are born Bangladeshis bear this responsibility. The first step to address any issue is to identify it.
Even some years ago, not many people knew Bangladesh even existed. When I saw how Halloween was celebrated across the globe, I got inspired. Part of me was sad, because I wished the world would also acknowledge us in its way. But a big part of me was also happy that there was a possibility, through our own efforts, to gather the love of the world. And we are doing that.
Second generation immigrants now know what Bangladesh is. And by that, I mean they have started to be aware of what Bangladesh really is, not just a place that their parents left behind 20 years ago.
I see people get out on the streets on important dates marked in our history. They have started to learn our story, who we are, and what we are made of. And there’s room for much more! I want to make sure that one day no one with the same roots as ours thinks less of our country. Talent is pouring out from every home, and some light needs to be shed on that.
We’ve earned our identity through struggle, we weren’t born entitled. The cost of that was the blood, the dreams, the aspirations and the lives of countless people. This can never be ignored, and I will make sure no one forgets that.
This year, a few friends and I are going to spend an evening together after our mundane workday. We’ll sit down, and share all the stories we’ve heard, appreciate some of the art and music made at home _ all the little pieces, that mark our victory. This is also the day when my great grandmother passed away, so it is also a day where we pray for our departed dear ones, quietly. I miss her.