The dead were identified as Nazrul Islam, 38, son of Azahar Ali of Sreepur village and Ansar Ali, 36, son of Abed Ali of Ranigram village of the upazila. Both belonged to the outlawed Sarbahara Party.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of Rab-12, Pabna, raided Mathura Battala at Ranigram at about 3:00pm where some members of the underground outfit were holding a meeting.

Sensing the presence of the Rab men, the outlaws opened fire, forcing the law enforcers to retaliate.

Rab sources said Nazrul and Ansar received bullets during the "shootout" and died on the spot, while their accomplices managed to flee.

Police said the two outlaws were wanted in 12 cases including seven for murder. Rab recovered two shutter guns and two bullets from the scene.