3 robbers killed in 'gunfight'

Three alleged robbers were killed in a "gunfight" with members of Rapid Action Battalion in the Sundarbans under Sharankhola range of Bagerhat yesterday.
Two of the dead are Qader alias Baro Bhai of Bagerhat and Kalyan of Khulna. The identity of the other could not be known immediately.
They were members of a robbers' gang, locally known as “Shirshabahini,” said Maj Anwarul Kabir, deputy commander of Rab-8.
At least 45 people were killed in “shootouts” with law enforcers in the last two months, according to a report of Ain O Salish Kendra.
On information that a gang of robbers was in the area, a team of Rab-8 took position at Tambulbunia canal area in Sharankhola range early yesterday, said Maj Kabir, who led the drive.
Around 8:30am, when the elite force drew nearer, the robbers saw them from a watchtower, the Rab official said.
The robbers opened fire on the law enforcers prompting them to fire back.
During the gunfight, which started around 9:30am, the three robbers came in line of the fire and died on the spot, Maj Kabir said.
Their cohorts managed to flee, he added.

Rab men fired around 60 bullets while the robbers responded with 200 to 250 bullets during the 20-minute gunfight.
The Rab members recovered 16 firearms and 337 bullets from the spot.