In a message on the eve of the occasion, she congratulated the countrymen, saying the day will remain a source of inspiration for the people to carry out the nation-building programmes.

"The November 7 was the course-changing day in our national history," Khaleda said, adding, "On this day, the spirit of safeguarding independence and sovereignty, and restoring multiparty democracy and freedom of speech commenced."

She said on this day in 1975 soldiers and the masses forged a strong national unity and saved the country from a frightful consequence by foiling the conspiracies of an authoritarian rule.

The PM said the present government is making relentless efforts to protect the basic rights of the people, give democracy an institutional shape and build a prosperous country through balanced development.

"We are working for sustainable development of the country by beating all challenges of the new millennium," she added, saying a national unity is the first requirement to ensure such development.