Suspected drug dealer killed in 'gunfight'

An alleged drug trader was killed in a “gunfight” between two groups of drug peddlers at Mangalgati village in Jashore Sadar upazila yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Jahid Hassan, 32, son of Hannan Molla of Shankarpur Ashram Road area in Jashore town.

Apurbo Hasan, officer-in-charge of Kotwali police, said they raided Mangalgati village hearing that two groups of drug traders were engaged in a gunfight around 3:30am.

However, the drug traders escaped the scene sensing the presence of law enforcers, he added.

The OC said the police recovered the bullet-hit body of Jahid and rushed him to Jashore General Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Two kgs of marijuana and 200 pieces of yaba tablets were recovered from the spot, he said.

According to police, Jahid was involved in drug trading and other crimes. He allegedly led a bomb attack on Harijan Colony in Jashore town five days ago.

He was accused in 17 cases for various charges.

With this, at least 241 suspected drug traders have been killed since the nationwide anti-narcotics drive began on May 4. Most of them were killed in so-called shootouts involving police and Rapid Action Battalion.