Youth killed in ‘gunfight’ with police

A youth was killed in a "gunfight" with police in Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur early yesterday.

The dead -- Md Hanif, 30 -- was accused in at least 10 cases filed over different charges including of robbery and drug peddling, claimed Alamgir Hossain Majumdar, officer-in-charge of Kaliakair Police Station.

Four policemen were injured during the "gunfight" which took place on Jhikjhak ground in the upazila's Habibpur area, the OC added.

Hanif, son of Kanchan Sikdar of Rampur area under Kalkini upazila in Madaripur, used to live at his in-law's house in Habibpur area, the police official further said.

Police conducted a raid near Jhikjhak ground around 3:00am to arrest Hanif, who was there with his cohorts, said the OC.

Sensing police presence, criminals opened fire on the law enforcers, forcing them to retaliate, he claimed.

Police found bullet wounded Hanif at the spot but his cohorts managed to flee, OC Alamgir said.

Doctors of Kaliakair Upazila Health Complex declared him dead when he was rushed there, he added.

Four policemen, who were injured during the "gunfight" were undergoing treatment at the health complex, the OC said.

Police also claimed to have recovered two locally made firearms and three bullets from the spot.

The Daily Star, however, could not independently verify the police claims.