Fourteen suspected drug dealers were killed in separate incidents of “gunfights” in nine districts on Wednesday.
So far, more than 110 people, mostly alleged drug peddlers, have been killed across Bangladesh since law enforcement agencies launched an aggressive countrywide anti-narcotics drive in early May.
In Dhaka, three suspected drug dealers were killed in a “gunfight” between their cohorts and Rapid Action Battalion 4 (RAB) members at Dewanpara Lohar Bridge in the city's Bhashantek area in the early hours of the day.
Two pistols, two magazines, two bullets and 18,000 yaba pills were recovered from the spot, said Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sajedul Islam of RAB 4.
The deceased were identified as Ataur Rahman alias Ata, 46, a listed drug peddler from Savar, Kosai Mostafa, 52, and Faruque Islam alias Bappy, 37, listed drug dealers of Bhasantek and Pallabi areas, respectively.
In Magura, a violent dispute over shares of drug money saw three people killed in the early hours.
The deceased were identified as Bachchu Chapdar, 50, Kishore Adhikari, and Raihan Dhali alias Bitish, 20.
Magura’s ASP Chhayer Uddin said: “The drug dealers were killed in a shootout among themselves over their shares of money in Batikganga area around 1am. On information, we went to the spot. The trio was declared dead when taken to Magura Sadar Hospital.”
He said other drug dealers managed to flee the scene.
The ASP said the deceased were accused in several drugs-related cases filed at different police stations.
In Benapole, two people were killed in a “gunfight” between two rival groups of drug dealers in Boro Achra area around 2:30am.
One of them was identified as Liton, 34, son of late Shahjahan of Bhobarber village, Benapole Port police station OC Apurba Hasan told the Dhaka Tribune.
He said police also recovered 10kgs of cannabis, one pistol, and two rounds of bullets from the spot.
In Comilla, a suspected drug trader named Rosmat Ali, 40, was killed in a “gunfight” with police at Loribagh area under Burichang upazila.
Burichang police station OC Monoj Kumar Dey said: “Acting on a tip-off, we went to the area to conduct a drive around 12:45am. But the drug traders opened fire at us sensing our presence, forcing us to return fire.”
Rosmat, a listed drug dealer who was accused in seven cases, was injured in the shootout. He was declared dead when taken to Comilla Medical College Hospital, said Monoj.
He said three policemen were also injured in the incident.
Police recovered a cartridge, one pipe gun, and 40kg of cannabis, said the OC.
Meanwhile, a suspected drug trader named Shah Alam was also injured in another “gunfight” with police near Palpara Bridge around 12:30am.
Kotwali police station Inspector (Investigation) Md Salah Uddin said Alam, who is accused in six cases, was admitted to Comilla Medical College Hospital later.
Also Read: War on drugs: 12 more killed in 9 districts
In Cox’s Bazar, a suspected drug dealer of Netrokona was killed in a “gunfight” with RAB in Kobita Chattar area around 12:30am.
Mojibur Rahman, 40, who was accused in 10 cases, was rushed to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital with gunshot wounds but pronounced dead upon arrival, RAB 7 Company Commander Md Major Ruhul Amon said.
He said a firearm, five bullets, some bullet shells, and 6,000 yaba tablets were also recovered from the spot.
In Sirajganj, suspected drug dealer Asan Habbib, 45, was killed in a “gunfight” with RAB in Kamarkhand upazila around 2am.
Three RAB officials were also injured in the incident and admitted to Sirajganj General Hospital later, said RAB 12 Company Commander Sakibul Islam Khan.
He said a firearm, 1,000 yaba pills, and 20 bottles of phensidyl were also recovered from the spot.
In Chittagong city, alleged drug trader Mohammad Ishak alias Omar Faruk, 37, was killed in a “gunfight” with RAB members in Polo Ground area around 12:30am Wednesday, reports UNB.
Ishak was wanted in 19 cases, Assistant Director of RAB Mimtanur Rahaman said.
Some 4,000 yaba tablets, bullets, cartridges and one shutter gun were also recovered from the spot.
In Narail, a suspected drug peddler named Sajib was killed in a “gunfight” with police at the district town’s Malibagh area, Senior Assistant SP Mehedi Hasan said.
A gun and a sharp weapon were also recovered from the spot, reports UNB.
In Chuadanga, Tanjil Hossain, a top listed drug trader, was killed in a “gunfight” with police at Satgari Natunpara in the municipality around 3am.
Confirming the matter, Sadar police station OC Abdul Khalek said Tanjil was accused in 12 cases.
Law enforcers also recovered a gun, four bullets, and a sack full of phensidyl from the spot.
Two policemen were injured during the incident.