Dhaka, April 4 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the loss of lives in a devastating fire at a gas lighter factory in Keraniganj's Kadamtali, describing the tragedy as an "irreparable loss".

In a statement on Saturday night, the prime minister ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and directed authorities to bring those responsible for any negligence to justice.

"This is an extremely painful incident," he said. "The loss of these lives cannot be compensated."

According to a media statement signed by the Prime Minister's Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh, widely known as Saleh Shibly, the head of government has been in constant communication with the health minister, the local membe...