SINGAPORE Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has expressed condolences to his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina over the loss of 152 lives following the collapse of a garment factory building on Wednesday.

In a letter to Sheikh Hasina, PM Lee said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of lives in the Savar building collapse.

"On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Singapore, I offer my heartfelt condolences to you, those who were injured and the families of those who perished."

News reports from Savar, which lies at the outskirts of the capital Dhaka, say more than 1,000 people were injured in the incident, which is being called the country's worst factory disaster. Rescue efforts are on to find survivors who are believed to be trapped in the rubble.

In his letter, Mr Lee said: "I also wish the ongoing rescue efforts every success. I am confident that the community will recover from this tragedy with resilience and fortitude.

"Our thoughts are with you and your people during this difficult time," he added.