They demanded that the persons and the authorities responsible for the tragedy be brought to book immediately for their negligence.

They also called on the government to ensure compensation to the families of the victims of the collapsed nine-storey Spectrum Sweater Industries factory.

The tragedy is tantamount to a gruesome killing and is one of the worst disasters in the country, said advocate Sultana Kamal of Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) while reading out a joint statement.

It is frustrating that the incident has not yet been identified as the result of an offence, she said, adding that there is not even anyone to ascertain the number of dead, injured and missing workers, while the authorities have failed to nab the factory owner.

The state managers procure bulletproof luxury cars and military hardware one after another, but don't bother about having necessary salvage equipment and technology in the event of natural or man-made disasters, she said.

The leaders called on the prime minister to instruct the authorities to take necessary measures and demanded to know what measures the industries ministry has taken in the wake of the tragedy.

They said that according to a law, each victim will be entitled to a compensation of Tk 7 lakh or more.

The leaders also called for making public the full list of the victims, a version of the chief inspector of factories regarding the collapsed building and planning and approval of the building as submitted to the cantonment board.

Dr Hameeda Hossain of ASK, Shirin Akhtar of Karmojibi Nari, Syeda Rizwana Hasan of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers' Association, Salma Ali of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers' Association, Farida Akhtar of Ubinig, Asma Parvin of Oxfam Bangladesh, Masud Alam of Odhikar and Elina Khan of Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights attended the press conference held at the National Press Club.

Rokeya Rafiq of Sammilita Nari Samaj, Rashida Begum of Nijera Kori, Tareq Ali of Sammilita Samajik Andolon and Farida Yasmin of Bangladesh Legal Aid Trust were also present.