'Drug dealer' killed in 'shootout'

A fugitive accused of drug peddling was killed in an alleged gunfight with Rab at Shahidnagar area in Narayanganj yesterday.

The dead, Rabiul Hasan, 38, was an accused in 20 cases with Fatullah and Shiddhirganj police stations for drug peddling, robbery and possession of illegal arms, Rab officials said.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Rab-11 Senior Assistant Director Alep Uddin said based on a tip-off, a Rab team raided a house at Shahidnagar around 4:30am. When a Rab official knocked on the door, someone inside the house began firing. When Rab men retaliated, a “gunfight” ensued.

When Rab later entered the house, they found the bullet-hit body of Rabiul Hasan.  He was taken to Narayanganj General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead, he said.

He added that Rabiul's body was kept in Narayanganj General Hospital for autopsy.

Rab constables Alam and Al-Amin were also injured in the incident, Alep Uddin said, adding that they were given first aid treatment.

The law enforcers claimed to have recovered a pistol loaded with four rounds of bullets and 2,500 yaba pills from the spot.