Kushtia AL man killed in ‘gunfight’

A ruling party activist who was allegedly involved in the August 15 infighting in Kushtia that left one dead was killed in gunfight early today.

He is the third Awami League man killed in what law enforcers claimed gunfight after a Hazaribagh leader and Magura man yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Zakir Hossain, 35, son of Abdur Razzak in Mirpur upazila of the district and an activist of the Swechchasebak League, reports our local correspondent.

Sabbir Ul Alam, officer-in-charge of Detective Branch (DB) of police, said the “gunfight” took place at Jagati area of Kushtia Sadar upazila around 1:30am.

“Police launched a crackdown after being tipped off about a secret meeting of miscreants in the area. Sensing their presence, the miscreants opened fire. The cops fired back,” he said.

After the battle ended, Zakir was found lying on the spot and rushed to Kushtia General Hospital, he said. “On duty doctors there declared him dead.”

A shutter gun, three bullets and sharp weapons were recovered from the spot. Five policemen were also said to have been wounded during the gunfight.

Police said Zakir was accused in two murder cases – one of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) leader Panjer Ali and the other was of BCL activist Sabuj Hossain.

Sohel Reza, additional superintendent of district police, said that Zakir had records of arms smuggling through Kushtia border.

Earlier on August 15, Awami League supporters in Kushtia clashed over paying tribute to Bangabandhu on the national mourning day. A Jubo League activist was killed on the spot.

A case has been filed in this regard with Kushtia Model Police Station accusing more than 30 people. Also, the police station’s officer has been suspended after the incident.