The dead were identified as PBCP Lalpataka chief adviser Kamrul Islam alias Kamrul Master, 55, and operations commander Md Abdul Latif alias Jhunu Maker, 40.

Rab-12 sources in Pabna said they had arrested Jhunu Maker at Mirpur in Dhaka on Thursday. Following his statement, the Rab members also arrested Kamrul Master at Goran of Khilgaon in the capital the same day.

Upon their information, the Rab members took the two to Tebunia in Pabna sadar upazila yesterday to recover hidden firearms and arrest other outlaws, Rab sources said.

But as soon as the law enforcers reached Tebunia Shahapur area at about 3:30am, the PBCP outlaws ambushed the Rab team, who also returned fire.

Kamrul and Jhunu got hit with bullets while trying to escape from the Rab custody and died on the spot, Rab said.

The law enforcers rushed the dead bodies to Pabna General Hospital where the doctors confirmed their death.

The Rab recovered two pipe-guns and three bullets from the spot.

Kamrul Master, son of Hamid Sardar of Daspara village of Pabna sadar upazila, was accused in numerous cases, including 15 for murder, and was on the "most wanted" list of criminals.

Jhunu was accused of five murder charges, Rab sources said.

Kamrul's political career started with his involvement with the Naxal Movement. Later, he formed the PBCP Lalpataka and became famous as an intellectual leader. Kamrul was general secretary of the PBCP five years ago and later became its chief adviser.

He had been involved in underground politics since the Liberation War.