A recent verified Facebook post by Bangladeshi-born French citizen Prokash Roy offers more than a reflection on history. It raises difficult questions about democracy, asylum and the responsibilities that accompany the freedoms offered by liberal societies.

Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, Roy recalled France’s historic role in supporting the American Revolution and highlighted the symbolism of President Emmanuel Macron welcoming US President Donald Trump at the Château de Versailles. For Roy, these events represented more than diplomatic ceremony; they reflected France’s long-standing commitment to liberty and republican ideals.

Yet the most thought-provoking part of his post came later.

Roy argued that France is a country capable of protecting people from very different political backgrounds under the same legal framework. Referring to developments involving Bangladeshi public figures, he suggested that France has, at different times, offered protection or residence to individuals associated with sharply contrasting circumstances. His broader point was not simply about those individual cases, but about the complexity of democratic values and the importance of the rule of law.

That broader argument finds resonance in another well-known episode. During his official visit to Bangladesh in September 2023, President Emmanuel Macron visited the home of musician Rahul Ananda, expressing admiration for his artistic work and Bangladesh’s vibrant cultural heritage. The visit was widely interpreted as a gesture underscoring France’s commitment to culture, pluralism and human dignity. It illustrated that French diplomacy often seeks to champion not only strategic interests but also the values of openness, creativity and solidarity.

These observations raise an important question for every liberal democracy: what obligations accompany the protection that democratic states extend to those who settle within their borders?

Freedom of expression is one of democracy’s greatest achievements. It protects criticism of governments, encourages public debate and allows dissenting voices to be heard. But those freedoms also carry responsibilities. They should never be used to encourage hatred, incite violence or undermine the safety of others. Where credible allegations arise that individuals have crossed that line, they should be examined through independent legal processes based on evidence, rather than decided by political rhetoric or social media campaigns.

The same principle applies to those who seek refuge abroad. Liberal democracies rightly provide protection to people facing genuine persecution. At the same time, they expect everyone living under their jurisdiction to respect democratic norms, reject violence and remain accountable under the law. Rights and responsibilities are inseparable.

Roy concluded his post with a message directed particularly at immigrants living in France: understanding the values of the French Republic benefits not only France but also those who have chosen to make it their home.

That may be the most important lesson of all.

France’s strength has never rested solely on its history or its international influence. It rests on institutions built upon Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite —principles that protect the vulnerable, uphold justice and demand responsibility from everyone equally. Those values remain meaningful only when they are applied consistently, without fear or favour.

In an age when online rhetoric can rapidly cross borders and deepen social divisions, democracies face an increasingly difficult challenge: safeguarding freedom while ensuring that liberty is not exploited to promote intimidation, hatred or violence. Preserving that balance is essential if the ideals France has championed for centuries are to retain their credibility in the twenty-first century.

Ultimately, Prokash Roy’s reflection is less about France’s past than about its future. A republic’s greatest achievement is not merely offering refuge or celebrating its history, but cultivating a civic culture in which freedom is exercised with responsibility, disagreement is governed by the rule of law, and democratic values are embraced by everyone who calls the nation home.