3 Rohingya robbers killed in Teknaf ‘gunfight’

Three suspected Rohingya robbers, including the ringleader of the notorious “Zakir Bahini”, have been killed in a reported gunfight with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar.

The incident took place on a hill near Shalban and Jadimura Rohingya camps in Hnila union around 7:30 pm on Tuesday.

One of the deceased identified as Zakir, the ringleader of the notorious robber gang “Zakir Bahini”, had over 20 cases filed against him, which included charges of murder, rape, kidnapping and drugs, says RAB.

Confirming the matter to Dhaka Tribune, Cox's Bazar RAB 15 chief Wing Commander Azim Ahmed said the remaining victims have yet to be identified. “Two pistols, two rifles, five one-shooters and 25 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the spot. A RAB member was shot and injured in the incident.”

He also said that based on a tip-off about the location of the notorious robber gang Zakir Bahini, a team of RAB conducted a drive at Shalban in Hnila Union of Teknaf Upazila and a hill near Jadimura Rohingya Camp 28 on Tuesday.

Upon arrival, RAB members found themselves in a gunfight with Rohingya bandits. At one stage of the hour-long shootout, the bodies of three people, including the ringleader of the notorious Zakir Bahini, were recovered from the spot, he added.

Meanwhile, Teknaf police station OC Md Hafizur Rahman said: “RAB has identified two victims as the robber gang leader Zakir, 35 and his associate Monir, 30. The other is yet to be identified. RAB still has the site cordoned off. Legal action is being taken in this regard.”