2 'drug dealers' killed in Kushtia, Mymensingh 'gunfights'

Two suspected drug traders were killed in reported gunfights with police in Kushtia and Mymensingh districts early today.

In Kushtia, an alleged drug dealer was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Kushtia’s Sadar upazila.

The deceased was identified as Shahar Ali, 38, son of Monwar Box of Mazampur area in Kushtia, reports our local correspondent.

He was a listed drug dealer in the district and an accused in around 11 cases filed in Kushtia, said Nasir Uddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of the police station.

Upon information that a group of drug traders were holding a secret meeting at Haripur village, a team of police made a raid there around 3:30am, the OC said.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the criminals opened fire on them forcing them to retaliate, OC said.

At one stage, the criminals escaped from the spot and police found Shahar’s dead body. Police also recovered a one shutter gun, three bullets and 500 pieces of yaba from the spot.

In Mymensingh, Noman Khan, 45, an accused in several drug cases, was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Raghunampur area of Sadar upazila around 1:45am, UNB adds.

Two policemen were also injured during the gunfight, said Mahmudul Islam, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station.

With the latest deaths, at least 139 people were killed in 'gunfights' with members of law enforcement agencies while 37 bodies of suspected drug traders were recovered after reported gun battles between rival groups during the countrywide anti-narcotic drives since 15 May, according to UNB.