Two suspected robbers have been killed, and a drug peddler has been injured, in separate "gunfights" in the Kushtia and Pabna districts.
In Kushtia, two suspected robbers—Mahabubul, 40, and Muffazzel Hossain alias Mufa, 42—were killed in a “gunfight” with police in Daulatpur upazila early on Tuesday.
Two policemen, Sub-Inspector (SI) Asadul and Constable Zia, were also injured in the incident.
Daulatpur police station Officer-in-Charge Md Nazrul Islam said: “We received a tip-off that two groups of robbers were clashing at Katadoho field. Based on that information, a team led by SI Saiful went to the area.”
“Sensing our presence, the robbers opened fire at us. In retaliation, we fired back,” he said.
Later, police rescued the two injured robbers while the others managed to flee the scene.
The OC said the two were sent Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex, where the doctors declared them dead.
He said: “They [the robbers] were accused in multiple cases. We recovered two guns, four rounds of bullets, and a sharp cleaver from the scene.”
In Pabna, suspected drug peddler Abdullah aka Zahid was detained after a "gunfight" with police in Chatmohor upazila around 3am on Tuesday.
Two police personnel were also injured in the incident.
Chatmohar Circle Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) SAM Fazle Khuda told the Dhaka Tribune: "Notorious drug dealer Zahid was detained by the police Monday evening. After initial interrogation, he revealed information about places where drugs were stashed."
He added: "Based on Zahid’s information, a police team went to recover drugs from the place, but Zahid's accomplices were waiting there to attempt to break him out."
The ASP said Zahid's associates opened fire at the police in an attempt to snatch him away.
In retaliation, police fired back and that triggered the “gunfight.” Zahid and two policemen were injured in the incident while the others managed flee the scene.
A revolver, two rounds of bullets, and 20 bottles of phensedyl were also recovered from the spot.
The injured were taken to Chatmohar Upazila Health Complex. Zahid was later transferred to Pabna General Hospital in critical condition.
Chatmohar police station Office-in-Charge Sheikh Nasir Uddin said: "Zahid is a listed drug peddler. He is accused in 12 cases of: murder, robbery, drugs, and possession of illegal firearms."