4 more 'drug traders' killed in gunfights

Four suspected drug traders were killed in separate ‘gunfights’ with police and Rab in Kushtia, Natore and Keraniganj districts on Tuesday night and early Wednesday as the anti-narcotics crackdown continues across the country.

Of them, two ‘drug traders’ were killed in Kushita, one each in Natore and Keraniganj.

With the latest deaths, at least 133 people were killed in 'gunfights' with members of law enforcement agencies while 37 bodies of suspected drug traders were recovered after reported gun battles between rival groups during the countrywide anti-narcotic drives since 15 May.

In Keraniganj, Nur Hossain Nuru, 35, a suspected drug trader and also wanted in 12 criminal cases, was killed in a reported gunfight with Detective Branch (DB) of police at Deushur in Keraniganj upazila around 3 am.

Monirul Islam, officer-in-charge of DB police, said the gunfight took place near Diamond Melamine Factory, from where police also recovered a firearm and 35 pieces of Yaba tablets.

In Kushita, two suspected drug traders--Phutu alias Monna, 35, son of Ahmed Ali and his nephew Russel Ahmed, 30, son of Rabiul Islam of Razarhat intersection—were killed in a reported gunfight with the members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) at Ananda Bazar in Mirpur upazila early Wednesday.

Being informed that a gang of drug traders were gathering in the area for drug-related business, a team of Rab-12 conducted a drive in the area, said Md Mohaiminul, Commanding officer of Rab-12.

Sensing the presence of the elite force, the criminals opened fire on Rab members forcing the elite force to fire back that left two people injured with bullets.

Later, they were taken to Kushita General Hospital where the doctors declared them dead.

Rab recovered two firearms, two cartridges, 12 bullets, 40 litres of liquor, 1500 pieces of Yaba tablets and 230 bottles of Phensidyl syrup from the spot.

In Natore, Osman Goni, a suspected drug trader was killed in a reported gunfight with Rab members at Bahimali area in Baraigram upazila on Tuesday night.

Commanding officer of Rab-5, Major Shiblee Mostafa, said sensing the presence of some criminals, Rab members challenged them and asked to surrender. At one stage, the criminals open fire on the law enforcers prompting them to fire in self-defence around 11:345 pm.

After a brief gunfight, the elite force recovered the body of Osman.

Source: unb