In Kushtia, a suspected drug peddler has been killed in a so-called gunfight with police in Kumarkhali upazila.
The incident occurred near Chachua wetland in Adabaria area.
The deceased was identified as Emdad Khandaker, 38; son of the late Rafiuddin Kunkar of Karimpur village, under Islami University police station.
Police personnel also seized a foreign pistol, three rounds of bullets, and 100 yaba pills from the spot.
Kumarkhali police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) AKM Mizanur Rahman said: “Acting on a tip-off about a possible gunfight between two groups of drug traders near Chachua wetland, a team from the station rushed to the spot.”
“Upon spotting us, the drug traders opened fire on us, triggering a gunfight. The exchange of fire left one person shot while the remaining people fled the scene. The injured man was taken to Kushtia General Hospital where the on-duty physician declared him dead on arrival,” he said.
“Later we identified the deceased as Emdad; who was facing multiple narcotic cases filed with different police stations,” the OC added.
According to sources, a total of eight suspected drug traders have been killed in alleged gunfights in Kushtia this year.
In Barisal, a suspected robbery gang leader has been killed in a reported gunfight with police.
The incident occurred near Monir's brick field in Kazirhat unit of Mehendiganj upazila, in the district, around 2:10 am.
The deceased is Mamun Sarker, 27, from Hizla upazila of Barisal.
Police recovered: two locally-made guns, two rifle cartridges, two rounds of bullets, several bullet casings, two cleavers, one pickaxe, and six masks from the spot.
Superintendent of Barisal police Saiful Islam said the deceased had over 24 cases filed against him with different police stations.
Kazirhat police station Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) Abdul Khalek confirmed the matter, saying: "Mamun has around 26 cases filed against him with the Mehendiganj, Hizla, and Muladi police stations; including for murder, robbery and rape."
He said Mamun always managed to evade the law despite being involved in various criminal acts.
On February 5, a case was filed with Kazirhat police station over a robbery at a local residence, for which a man named Russel Howladar was arrested.
According to the confession made by Russel to police and the court, the robbery was organized under the leadership of Mamun.
Based on Russel's confession, Mamun Sarker was arrested around 8pm on Monday. Later, according to the information provided by him, police took Mamun with them and conducted a drive in the area to retrieve the goods looted by the robbers.
Upon seeing law enforcement, Mamun's associates fired at them. Mamun was shot when he tried to escape. He was then taken to Muladi Hospital, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead on arrival, police said.
Meanwhile, police are preparing to send Mamun's body to Barisal Shebachim Hospital for autopsy. Three cases are being filed over the possession of illegal firearms, the attack on police, and Mamun's death.