4 killed in ‘gunfights’ in 4 districts

Three suspected drug peddlers and an alleged robber were killed in “gunfights” with law enforcers in Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Meherpur and Chattogram early today.

In Dhaka, Nabi Hossain, 47, was killed in a “shootout” with Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Mohammadpur area in the early hours of today.

Mohiuddin Faruki, company commander of Rab-2, said Nabi stood accused in at least 10 cases. He used to sell drugs in different areas of Dhaka city.

“Rab men intercepted Nabi at Dhaka Udyan area. As Nabi tried to flee, he opened gunfire. Rab men also fired back. Nabi caught fire in the gunfight,” he said.

He was declared dead at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH). The body has been kept at the hospital’s morgue for autopsy.

A foreign-made pistol, bullets and 10,000 yaba pills were recovered from the spot.

In Chattogram, Delwar Hossain, a suspected robber, was killed in a “gunfight” with Rab in Banshkhali upazila around 5:15am.

A Rab team launched a preemptive raid following a lead that 10-12 robbers were planning a robbery in Sonua union, said Mashkur Rahman, assistant director of the media wing of Rab-7.

Rab men fired back they came under attack, he said.

As the standoff eased, a body was found on the scene and it was later identified, the Rab official also said.

Four weapons, 145 bullets were said to have been recovered from the spot.

In Cox's Bazar, another suspected drug trader was killed in a 'gunfight' with police at Khoaikong Satgariapara in Teknaf upazila early Thursday.

The deceased was identified as Abul Kashem, 32, of the area, UNB reports.

Police arrested Abul Kashem on Wednesday night and conducted a drive along with him to recover arms in the area around 3am, said Dipak Kumar Das, officer-in-charge of Teknaf Model Police Station.

Sensing presence of the law enforcers, the associates of Abul Kashem opened fire on them and tried to snatch him away.

Later, police fire gunshots, triggering a 'gunfight' that left Abul Kashem dead on the spot.

4,300 Yaba, two pistols and two round bullets were recovered from the spot.

In Meherpur, police recovered the bullet-hit body of a 'drug trader' from Harbhanga village in Gangni upazila around 2:20 am.

The deceased was identified as Fazlur Rahman alias Faju, 45, son of Shamsul Ialm of Kazipur village in the upazila, according to UNB.

Being informed that two gangs of drug traders were exchanging bullets at the village following internal feud, a team of police went to the spot and recovered the bullet-hit body of Faju , said Harendranath Sarkar, officer-in-charge of Gangni Police Station.

A one-shutter gun and one kg of hemp were recovered from the spot.