'Robber' killed in 'gunfight' with police

A suspected robber died of bullet wounds early yesterday, around six hours after he was injured in a “gunfight” between police and a “robbery gang” in Komargram of Joypurhat.

The dead is Rezaul Islam, 40.

With him, three alleged robbers have died and another has been injured in similar “gunfights” in the district since May, according to The Daily Star reports. 

Farid Hossain, officer-in-charge of Joypurhat Sadar Police Station, said Rezaul along with 20 others gathered near Joypurhat-Bogra highway in Joypurhat Sadar upazila around 10:00pm on Friday “for a robbery”.

Tipped off, a police team headed for the area. As it reached Komargram, the robbers opened fire on it, forcing the law enforcers to fire retaliatory shots.

Failing to withstand the counterattack, robbers fled the scene within a few minutes, the OC added.

Cops later found Rezaul lying injured on the scene. He was sent to Joypurhat Modern Hospital around 10:45pm.

As his condition deteriorated, doctors asked law enforcers to shift him to Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogra. He died on his way to Bogra around 4:00am yesterday.

An autopsy was carried out on his body at Joypurhat Modern Hospital.

Police said they recovered some sharp weapons and iron rods from the spot.