2 killed in ‘gunfights’ in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar

A suspected robber and an alleged yaba peddler were killed today in separate incidents of gunfights in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar.

In Chattogram, Bahadur alias Bahadur Dakat, a suspected robber, was killed in a gunfight with Rab officials in Puichuri area of Banshkhali upazila early today, reports our Chattogram correspondent.

Tipped off that a gang of robbers was gathering in the area to commit robbery, a Rab-7 team launched a drive in the area around 3:00am, said Mashkur Rahman, assistant director (media wing) of Rab-7.

Sensing the presence of the elite force, the robbers opened fire at them, triggering the gunfight.

Bahadur suffered bullet injuries during the gun battle while the others managed to flee the scene, said Mashkur Rahman.

He was taken to Banshkhali Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared him dead.

Bahadur was an accused in seven cases including robbery and murder filed with different police stations, the Rab official also said.

The Rab team also recovered two firearms and 23 bullets from the spot, he added.

In Cox’s Bazar, an alleged yaba peddler was killed in a gunfight with officials of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) early today, reports our local correspondent.

The deceased was identified as Md Abdullah, 24, son of Abdur Rashid of Natun Pallan Para of Teknaf.

Tipped off that a drug smuggling was taking place at Khonkarpara area near the Marine Drive, a BGB team conducted a drive there around 4:00am, said Lt Col Md Faysal Hassan Khan, commander of BGB-2.  

Sensing presence of the law enforcers, the smugglers came close on motorcycles and opened fire at the BGB men triggering the gun battle, the official said.

Later, the BGB officials found bullet-hit Abdullah and took him to the upazila health complex where the doctors declared him dead.

The BGB team also recovered 10 thousand yaba tablets, one locally made gun, and a motorcycle without any number-plate from the spot.

The body of the deceased has been sent to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital for autopsy, said Pradip Kumar Das, officer-in-charge of Teknaf Police Station.