‘Gaibandha arson attacker’ among 2 killed in ‘shootouts’

The prime suspect in Gaibandha arson attack case was killed in a "shootout" with Rapid Action Battalion while an outlaw was killed in a "gunfight" with the elite force members in Jhenidah early today.

Of the deceased, Mostofa, an activist of pro-Jamaat-e-Islami student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, was key accused in the case filed in connection with the arson attack that left seven people dead, according to a text message sent by Rab.

The other victim was identified as Rafik Uddin alias Chhoto Tarek, 40, a regional leader of outlawed Purba Banglar Communist Party (PBCP-Janajuddah).

GAIBANDHA

Mostofa was killed in the shootout with the members of Rab-13 in Tulsighat area in Sadar upazila early today.

The elite force members also seized seven firebombs, two pistols and two bullets from the scene, the Rab message said.

At least, seven people were killed in the arson attack on a bus in Gaibandha Sadar upazila on February 6.

JHENIDAH

Tarek, 40, son of Dalil Uddin of Guchcha gram near Bishoykhali Bazar in Sadar upazila, was a regional leader of the outlawed party, our Jhenidah correspondent quoting Rab sources.

The elite force cordoned off at Chutlia intersection around 3:00am after getting information that a group of outlaws were holding a clandestine meeting there.

Sensing presence of the Rab team, they opened fire, forcing the elite force members to retaliate which triggered a "gunfight", said Squadron Leader Foysal Ahmed of Rab- 6 in Jhenidah.

When the gang managed to flee the scene, the Rab men found the bullet-hit body of Tarek lying on the spot, he said.

They recovered two 9mm pistols, two homemade pistols, two shutter guns, 10 bullets and six petrol bombs from the spot.