Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA), Brac and Ain O Salish Kendro came together at a press conference in the city yesterday demanding immediate arrest of the rapists and their trial at the speedy trial tribunal.

They also sought intervention of the prime minister into the case, saying that the home ministry has failed to curb violence against women and children.

"We don't know whether the girl will survive as her condition is very critical. She is groaning in pain at her hospital bed," said advocate Salma Ali, executive director of BNWLA.

The girl, daughter of Fazlul Haq, fell victim to rape when she was returning home in the evening of June 4 after attending Arabic lessons at her sister-in-law's home.

The girl fell unconscious soon after she managed to reach her home. She was rushed to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and later shifted to Dhaka.

Her family blamed Halud Miah, 15, and M Shahjahan, 17, for the rape.

Speakers at the press conference said it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the security of life.

They called on the government to provide the treatment cost and take steps to rehabilitate her.

They also called for stern actions to put an end to repression of women and children.

Gunendu K Roy, programme coordinator, Brac Development Programme, Sabbir A Chowdhury, programme head, Micro Finance, Brac, and advocate Rawshan Jahan Parvin and Ela Chandra of Ain O Salish Kendro also spoke.