20 custodial deaths in SW region in 3 months

Twenty 'criminals' died in police custody in the south-western region from May 20 to August 30 this year.

However, police said they were killed in crossfire.

Abdur Rashid alias Tapu, divisional chief of M-L faction of outlawed Purbo Banglar Communist Party (PBCP) was killed in a crossfire at Fakirhat upazila in Bagerhat on May 20.

On May 23, PBCP (J) cadres Minarul and Shaban were killed in crossfire at Alamdanga upazila in Chuadanga.

On May 27, a PBCP (Janajuddho) armed cadre was killed in crossfire in Bagerhat town.

On May 28, bomber Abdur Rahman Chhoton was killed in crossfire at Skid Ghat in Khulna thana.

PBCP (J) armed cadre Arif died in an encounter with police on June 5 at Damurhuda upazila in Chuadanga.

On June 10, armed cadre of PBCP (M-L) Raja Chowdhury was killed in crossfire in Roosevellt jetty area in Khalishpur thana.

Pasha, a dreaded criminal of PBCP (J) was killed in crossfire in Kushtia town.

On June 26, Arab Ali, a ringleader of outlawed Sramajibi Mukti Andolon was killed in an encounter at Shailkupa upazila in Jhenidah. Sirajul Islam alias Shalim, ringleader of outlawed Biplobi Communist Party was killed in crossfire at Kalabaria in Mirpur upazila, Kushtia.

On June 30, two extremists of PBCP (J), Ujjal and Shahin were killed in crossfire at Atharo Khan village in Alamdanga upazila, Chuadanga.

On July 10, PBCP (J) extremist Minhaj died in encounter with police at Kuthipara in Kushtia town.

PBCP (J) armed cadre Khabir was killed in crossfire at Alamdanga upazila, Chaudanga on August 13.

On August 22, Babu Molla, armed cadre of PBCP (M-L) was killed in encounter with police at Mollarhat upazila in Bagerhat.

On August 20, Dr Altaf and Rashed Goldar of PBCP (Janajuddha) were killed in crossfire at Malot village in Paikgacha upazila, Khulna.

On August 27, Hasan Imam of PBCP-Janajuddho was killed in crossfire at Rampal upazila in Bagerhat.

On August 30, listed criminal Asaduzzaman Litu died in armed encounter with police.