The whole nation is set to celebrate its' 54th Independence today (26 March) in a befitting manner. The government has taken elaborate programmes at the national level to celebrate the day. The programmes to celebrate 54th Independence day will begin with gun salutes early in the morning. All government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutaion will hoist the national flag atop with the rises of the sun. However, The National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar will be the main venue of the day's celebration. President Mohammad Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place floral wreaths early in the morning as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of 1971. In that day people from all walks of life, including freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, social, cultural and professional bodies, will also place floral wreaths at the national memorial.  

A top Chinese military official has vowed to "show no mercy" toward any move toward Taiwan independence despite turmoil in the top ranks of the country's armed forces. "No matter who wants to separate Taiwan from China in any form, the Chinese military will never agree and will show no mercy," said People's Liberation Army General Zhang Youxia. Zhang is vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Chinese Communist Party. His remarks came at the 10th Xiangshan Forum on Monday in Beijing. More than 1,800 people attended the two-day forum — China's biggest annual event focused on military diplomacy. These included 99 official delegations and defense ministers from 19 countries, as well as military chiefs, international organization representatives, experts, scholars and observers, according to China's official Xinhua news agency. The United States sent a representative in what was seen as a slight thaw in the freeze in U.S.-Chinese military-to-military communications. Notably absent, however, was former Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, whose dismissal was announced a week earlier. China did not explain why or appoint a replacement, but outside observers believe the move had more to do with President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption drive than with military considerations. In August, two Chinese senior Rocket Force commanders were dismissed and replaced by people from the Air Force and Navy with no experience in nuclear weapons management, a principal responsibility of the Rocket Force. Roderick Lee, research director at the U.S. Air University's China Aerospace Studies Institute, said the high-level changes in the Chinese military wouldn't affect most operational units. "If there are lower-echelon guys being taken out as well, that probably has a greater impact," Lee said Tuesday at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "But day-to-day [People's Liberation Army] operational readiness on the conventional or nuclear side, I doubt it is affected." He said the PLA's administrative and operational functions are designed to be robust to absorb losses from losing even the entire party committee of a unit by having backup plans or processes to fill vacancies and compensate for losses. Since taking power in 2012, Xi has cracked down on corruption in the military, although some believe he may also be bringing down political opponents. Lee said since corruption is the norm in China's military, removing people from higher positions will not make the PLA less stable. "You [Xi] went through a system; you cleaned house, where corruption was the norm," he said. "The people that you have left aren't not corrupt. They're just the least bad option you had left at those senior echelons. It's hard to expect them not to be tempted again to either get back into corruption or remain corrupt and just try to hide it a little better. So, in that sense, it's hard to go down from stability." However, Lee said, such a corrupt system may leave Xi with no confidence in the PLA's ability to accomplish the tasks he requires. "I think Xi Jinping is probably quite frustrated that approaching a decade of anti-corruption efforts has apparently yielded not a whole lot to show for it, because people are still apparently willing to engage in corrupt activities. Not this year, but one or two years ago, there was a whole slew of senior officials in the defense industry that were arrested for corruption issues," he said. Pei Minxin, professor of government at Claremont McKenna College in California, said in a Tuesday column in Bloomberg, "Arresting more generals won't solve his [Xi's] problem. He must make the PLA less politicized and more transparent. Otherwise, China risks losing not just the battle against corruption but its next war." Lukas Filler, a retired U.S. Navy commander who is now a professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, told VOA Mandarin during an Asia-Pacific Center webinar on Tuesday, "There is a fairly widespread sense amongst Western analysts and scholars that PLA leaders, the CMC [Central Military Commission] and Xi Jinping are quite concerned about the professionalism of the PLA." As Zhang spoke at the forum, China stepped up its military pressure on Taiwan. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense announced on Wednesday that the Chinese military had sent 43 sorties by various types of military aircraft and seven ships to disrupt Taiwan over the previous 24 hours. Mark Parker Young, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub, published an article on October 20 saying the clean sweep of the Rocket Force's leadership team and the imposition of outsiders to replace them indicated that Xi probably did not anticipate fighting a large-scale conflict soon. "If he [Xi] foresaw an imminent likelihood of war, then he probably would not have uprooted the Rocket Force's entire leadership, or he at least would have chosen replacements more familiar with the force," Young said. But some observers worry that China and the United States will face a critical moment before the inauguration of Taiwan's new president next May. They say China will continue to test the resolve of the United States and Taiwan. Brent Sadler, a senior fellow of naval warfare and advanced technology at the Heritage Foundation, and Hunter Kovach, a member of the Young Leaders Program at the Heritage Foundation, wrote Monday in The Daily Signal that China's recent military activities around Taiwan had reached new heights, and that the United States needed to be ready militarily in the region. "This sustained presence is inherently destabilizing as it enables the Chinese Communist Party's military, called the People's Liberation Army, or PLA, to ratchet up tensions quickly or worse, without much warning," they wrote. "In the meantime, China's increased military operations also exhaust and condition Taiwan's military responses for when Xi's communist regime decides to turn an exercise into a prelude for attack. Increasingly, China is confident about using its military to send strategic messages to the United States." Shen Ming-shih, director at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taiwan, said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies event that while there might be multiple opportunities for China to invade Taiwan, the PLA may not be capable of a war if the U.S. is involved. "I think that China right now is not ready because the gap between the United States and PLA is huge," he said. "Maybe [in] 10 to 15 years." Source: voanews.com  

Myanmar's junta has been accused of launching an attack on a refugee camp in which at least 29 people were killed, according to local media reports. The alleged artillery strike, which hit a refugee camp in the northern state of Kachin late Monday, is one of the deadliest attacks on civilians since the military coup of 2021. "We found 29 dead bodies including children and older people... 56 people were wounded," Colonel Naw Bu of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) told French news agency AFP. Circumstances of attack unclear There were differing reports from local media relating to the nature of the attack. Some reported that warplanes had dropped bombs, while other sources claimed that drones and artillery were used and as such, the circumstances of the attack remain unclear. The KIA said they are investigating the nature of the strike. Local media showed images of the refugee camp where rescue operations appeared to be taking place. Kachin Human Rights Watch said that 13 of the dead were children while 60 people had been injured. The KIA said that 42 people were being treated at a hospital in Kachin state. Trading blame for attack The region has been embroiled in fighting since the  2021 military take over, which resulted in political turmoil.  Rebel groups and ethnic minority militias regularly  clash with junta forces. While the KIA and human rights organizations have accused the junta for the attack, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the military was "investigating" the reports. The junta has instead accused rebel groups in the area and said the military believes a store of bombs belonging to the rebels in the area caused an explosion. Reacting to the attack on the refugee camp, the United Nations in Myanmar said on Facebook it was deeply concerned by reports of the incident, adding that "civilians should never be a target."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an annual address from the Red Fort in Delhi to mark India's 77th Independence Day on Tuesday.  He spoke of a new era of abundance. He said the government will take several decisions in the near future which will influence the next 1,000 years for the country.  "Today we have demography, today we have democracy and we have diversity," he said, adding that they are the key instruments for India's future. He lauded his government for carrying out several reforms in the last nine years of his leadership. What else did Modi speak about in his address? Modi also addressed the racial violence in the northeastern state of Manipur, saying that many people have lost their lives and women raped in the last four months. He said that peace has returned to the state over last few days and hoped for its continuance.  "The path for solution in Manipur will be found through peace. The central and state government are making all efforts for a solution. We will continue to do so," he said. Other topics Modi spoke about included agricultural advancement, digital transformation and the need to prioritize the nation on the global stage. The speech takes center stage ahead of the general elections coming up in mid-2024. The national capital saw tightened security in the days before the event with over 1,000 surveillance cameras, anti-drone technology and over 10,000 police officers deployed across Delhi.  Independence Day tradition in India on the eve of India's independence from British rule — the nation's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag from the Red Fort in Delhi followed by the famous speech known as "Tryst with Destiny." Since then, every year the Indian flag is unfurled at the fort. Modi is the 13th prime minister to give an Independence Day speech at the historical fort. He paid homage to the country's freedom fighters on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, reaffirming the "commitment to fulfilling their vision." Freedom from British rule The East India Company took control of the nation in 1757 after the Battle of Plassey. Nearly two centuries later, the "Quit India Movement" resulted in the British leaving the country in 1947. Independence came at the price of partition — with the creation of two countries, India and Pakistan —  which resulted in widespread rioting and massacres, which continue to haunt both countries until today. Across India, the day is celebrated with local flag ceremonies, cultural programs, and songs which commemorate the freedom fighters of India.

US President Joe Biden has greeted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people on the Independence Day, saying that the South Asian nation understand deeply the value of freedom and independence as it fought courageously in 1971 to choose their own fate. “On behalf of the United States, I wish you (Sheikh Hasina) and the people of Bangladesh a happy Independence Day. The Bangladeshi people understand deeply the value of freedom and independence as they fought courageously in 1971 to choose their own fate and to speak their own language,” the US President wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The US Embassy in Dhaka today shared the letter where Biden said during the over 50 years of diplomatic relations, the United States and Bangladesh have achieved a lot together. Biden wrote the past half a century of bilateral ties yielded advancing economic development, strengthening people-to-people ties, addressing global health and climate issues, partnering on the humanitarian response to Rohingya refugees, and committing to a prosperous, secure, democratic, and independent Bangladesh. He highly acclaimed Bangladesh Prime Minister as Bangladesh has opened its arms and welcomed nearly one million Rohingya refugees.  “You set an example for the world of empathy and generosity in practice. We share a commitment to finding long-term solutions to the Rohingya refugee crisis and holding perpetrators of atrocities accountable,” said Biden.   He applauded Bangladesh’s demonstrated commitment to protecting the most vulnerable as the largest contributor to peacekeeping operations. “We thank Bangladesh for co-hosting the Global Action Plan ministerial that significantly elevated the political commitment to end the global pandemic,” Biden added.  The US President said as Bangladesh approaches its next election, I am reminded of the deep value both of our nations' people place on democracy, equality, respect for human rights, and free and fair elections. “On the day of celebration, please accept my sincere wishes to you and the people of Bangladesh. Joy Bangla,” the US President concluded. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has greeted the countrymen vowing to build poverty-hunger free Smart and Sonar Bangladesh marking the 53rd Independence and National Day. "Bangladesh is marching ahead on the highway of development. Let us build poverty and hunger free "Sonar Bangladesh" being inspired by the Father of the Nation's ideal. Bangladesh will be a smart country," she said in an Independence Day message. In the 51-second message of greetings, the premier said: "Assalamualaikum, I am extending my heartiest greetings to all Bangladeshi citizens staying at home and abroad marking the Independence Day." She recalled with due honour all the martyrs including the great Liberation War ones on the occasion of the Independence Day. She said, "We achieved the victory through a 23-year political struggle and a Liberation War of nine months and got an independent and sovereign country under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman." The premier concluded the message saying: "Stay well, stay healthy".

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated, "On the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the independence of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in my own name, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and to the government and people of your country." Chinese President said, "In recent years, Bangladesh has made vigorous and remarkable progress in various economic and social undertakings, making great strides toward the dream of “Sonar Bangla”." President Xi said, "The tremendous achievements scored by the Bangladeshi government and people have been widely commended by the international community. China-Bangladesh friendship boasts of a long history and will grow from strength to strength. At present, China and Bangladesh are enjoying solid and profound political trust, and practical cooperation has been advancing steadily.  The joint construction of the “The Belt and Road Initiative” has yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the two countries and the two peoples." "I attach great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations, and I stand ready to work with Your Excellency to push China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to a new height. I wish Bangladesh great prosperity and happiness," he added.

Dr. Tandi Dorji, the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Royal Government of Bhutan, has extended warm greetings and felicitations to Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of upcoming Independence Day to be observed on 26th March 2023. "I am happy to note that our countries maintain an excellent bilateral relationship bolstered by increasing cooperation and interaction," Dr. Tandi Dorji said in a felicitation message to his Bangladeshi counterpart recently. "I am confident that this bond of friendship will continue to grow even stronger in the coming years," he wrote. He wished that this Independence Day would bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to the people of Bangladesh.

Independence Award-2023 is being given to country's 9 prominent individuals and an organization. The award will be given to them in recognition of their distinguished and meritorious contribution at the national level. The list of nominees for the independence award was published today Thursday, March 09 through a circular from the Cabinet Division. According to the circular, the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh has decided to give the 'Independence Award 2023' to 9 distinguished individuals and an organization in recognition of their glorious and successful contribution at the national level. Those who are getting this year's independence award: Freedom Fighter Colonel (retd) Shamsul Alam, late Lieutenant AG Mohammad Khurshid, Shaheed Khaza Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan and Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya (Bir Bikram) were nominated for their contributions to the Independence and Liberation War. Late Dr Muhammad Moinuddin Ahmed (Selim Al Deen) will receive the award for literature, and Pabitra Mohan Dey for culture and ASM Rakibul Hasan for sports. Nadira Zahan (Surma Zahid) and Dr Firousi Qadri will get the award for their contributions to research and training. Besides, Fire Service and Civil Defence was named for the award in social work/service category. Note that this is the highest state award of Bangladesh. The government has been giving this award every year since 1977 on the occasion of Independence Day on March 26. 

Many citizens were in a less-than-celebratory mood as Sri Lanka marked 75 years of independence. Buddhist and Christian religious leaders said they would boycott celebrations in the capital Colombo. Sri Lanka marked 75 years of independence Saturday in bankruptcy, with many citizens somber, reflective and disappointed rather than feeling festive. President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in a televised speech, "We have reached the point of destruction." "Let's seek to heal this wound though it's difficult and painful. If we endure the suffering and pain for a short period of time, we can get the wound healed completely," Wickremesinghe said. He added that everyone in the country was to blame for the nation's woes, from politicians to regular citizens, as the country had long been divided by race, religion and region since the nation's inception. Sri Lanka faces its worst financial crisis since it declared independence from Britain in 1948. A severe shortage of dollars has added to inflation woes, a drop in the currency and the country's slide into an economic recession. Some relief has appeared in the form of fewer acute shortages. Wickremesinghe said the first half of 2023 would be met with challenging economic times. What is the state of independence celebrations in Sri Lanka? Religious leaders of the Buddhist and Christian faiths announced they would boycott the festivities in Colombo, the capital. Citizens and activists alike expressed outrage over the costs of the ceremony at a time when the country is in dire straits. On Friday, several activists began a silent protest in Colombo over the cost of the independence celebrations and the failure to ease the country's economic burden. Police later blocked a protest organized by students at the university. Soldiers armed with assault rifles stood every few meters around the grounds of the independence ceremony festivities. Riot police were on stand-by to prevent any protests. Armed forces paraded along Colombo's esplanade and were accompanied by an air and water show.President Wickremesinghe's predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was forced out of office and fled the country last year following mass protests over the country's debt burden and its pile-on effects on quality of life on the island nation. What has been the reaction of the public? Rev. Cyril Gamini, a Catholic priest, told AP that it was a "waste and a crime" to hold celebrations rich with military pageantry at a time when the country was suffering extreme economic hardship. "We ask the government what independence they are going to proudly celebrate by spending a sum of 200 million rupees (roughly $550,000)," Gamini said, noting the Church's disapproval and the absence of members of the clergy. Seven percent of Sri Lanka's population of 22 million is Catholic. Despite the small numbers, the influence of the Church is greater as its views are highly regarded by the people of Sri Lanka. Omalpe Sobitha, a Buddhist monk, told AP the celebrations were a showcase of weapons manufactured elsewhere. How dire is the situation in Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka was forced to suspend repayment of nearly $7 billion (€6.46 billion) in foreign debt due this year as talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package drag on. In his speech, Wickremesinghe said the country was completing talks for a $2.9 billion bailout with the IMF. "We expect to get their consent without delay," he said. In total, Sri Lanka owes in excess of $51 billion. Of that, $28 billion must be repaid by the end of 2027.  Unsustainable debt coupled with a severe balance of payment crisis, in addition to the economic complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in serious shortages of food, medicine and fuel, particularly last year. To manage the country's balance of payments, income taxes have been increased sharply and every ministry has seen its budget cut by 6%. The military is to be downsized by half by 2030 after it had grown to more than 200,000 during the country's long civil war. Wickremesinghe acknoweldged in his speech on Saturday that many of the changes he said he had been forced to undertake were unpopular, but said he would continue with the reforms.  Sri Lanka's central bank is rooting for an economic turnaround in the second half of the year and for inflation to dip into the single digits. In his speech, Wickremesinghe noted measures were in place to bring the country together again by releasing military land in the ethnic Tamil-majority north. Wickremesinghe said suspects connected to the now defunct Tamil Tigers, who fought for an independent state in the north of the country, would be released.