Dhaka, March 25 -- Anti-independence forces still make efforts to undermine independence and stifle people's desire for economic freedom more than five decades after the Liberation War, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said.

In a televised address to the nation on Monday, the eve of Independence Day, she alerted the people to the conspiracies and warned the conspirators that Bangladeshis will never bow down to any pressure.

"The Bengali nation will sacrifice their lives if necessary to protect independence and dignity,"

Hasina remarked.

Highlighting the history of Bangladesh's independence, she said this region was the target of colonial powers for ages. Foreign powers ruled this country under their control, looted resources and explo...