A local Jamaat-e-Islami leader was killed in a “shootout” with joint forces in Hijuli village under Meherpur sadar upazila early yesterday.
The deceased, Abdul Jabbar, 58, had no official position. He was also a member of Amjhupi Union Parishad.
The joint forces arrested Abdul Jabbar in Hijli village along with two other Jamaat activists from Rajnagar on Monday.
Abdul Jabbar was accused in two cases filed recently in connection with violence, Reazul Islam, OC of Sadar police station, told the Dhaka Tribune.
After interrogation, the joint forces, along with Jabbar, conducted a drive to arrest more Jamaat-Shibir activists. Sensing their presence, Jamaat-Shibir men opened fire. The joint forces retaliated, leaving Jabbar and three joint forces members injured.
Critically injured Jabbar was taken to the Meherpur General Hospital where on-duty doctors declared him dead around 2am.