Two UPDF men killed in gunfight with Bangladesh Army in Rangamati

Two members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF - Prasit Group) have been killed in a reported shootout with Bangladesh Army personnel at Naniarchar upazila in Rangamati.

Acting on a tip-off, an army team of Rangamati zone conducted a raid in Burighat union around 5pm on Tuesday, according to a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR).

Seeing the team, an armed gang of that UPDF faction opened fire on them from a hillock in Rouf Tila area. The army personnel also fired back in retaliation, triggering the gunfight, according to ISPR and Naniarchar police.

During the shootout, a member of the patrolling team, Sainik Shahabuddin was shot in the left shoulder.

The submachine gun recovered after the gunfight in Burighat union at Naniarchar, Rangamati on October 13, 2020 | ISPR

Later, at 7:40pm, he was airlifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Chittagong for better treatment. He is now out of danger.

An AK-22 submachine gun (SMG) used by the terrorists was recovered from the spot after the gunfight, said army and police.

Naniarchar police station OC Sabbir Rahman said the dead bodies were later recovered and brought to the station.

One of the deceased was identified as Rokesh Chakma, 38. The second deceased is yet to be identified.

The district’s Superintendent of Police Alamgir Kabir also said that law enforcement agencies had cordoned off the whole area to avert any further untoward situation.

ISPR said necessary legal steps were being taken following protocol over the incident.

Hasan Al Javed and Ali Asif Shawon contributed to this report