Dhaka, April 4 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the loss of lives in a fire at a gas lighter factory in Keraniganj and ordered an immediate investigation to determine the cause and hold those responsible accountable.

"Soon after learning about the incident, the Prime Minister spoke over the phone with the health minister, the local lawmaker, the deputy commissioner and the director general of Fire Service and Civil Defence, among others," said a statement signed by the Prime Minister's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly.

The Prime Minister also instructed the authorities concerned to ensure proper treatment for the injured.

He described the incident as "deeply tragic" and said the loss of lives ...