Dhaka, March 2 -- Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen has stressed the need for preventive measures to avoid incidents similar to the blaze at Green Cozy Cottage on Bailey Road, which claimed at least 46 lives.

"The loss of so many lives is devastating. Although it falls outside my direct responsibilities, I believe the Public Works Department and RAJUK need to be more vigilant. A simple oversight led to the deaths of 45 [46 in total] people," he said on Saturday.

"Nothing could be more heartbreaking than the Green Cozy Cottage fire. There should be decisive action against such hazards."

The deadly blaze raced through the seven-storey Green Cozy Cottage, mostly housing restaurants, on Thursday. Authorities have since handed over the bodies...