A suspected robber was reportedly killed in a "gunfight" with police at Sonapur in Laxmipur Sadar upazila early today.

The deceased Bashar, son of Sayed Ahmad, was a resident of Kazzalipur village in the upazila. He is said to be the chief of a robber gang "Bashar Bahini".

Acting on a tip-off that a gang of robbers were taking preparation to commit robbery at Sonapur, a team of police conducted a drive there around 1:30am, said Abdullah Al Mamun Bhuiyan, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station.

Sensing danger, the robbers opened fire at police, prompting a retaliation that triggered a "gunfight" between them.

At one stage, Bashar was caught in the line of fire while others managed to flee the scene.

Bashar was taken to Laxmipur Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Three policemen – sub-inspector Omar Faruk and constables Kuddus and Utpal – were also injured in the incident.

Police also recovered one light gun, some sharp weapons and five rounds of bullets from the spot.

Bashar was wanted in 15 cases filed for robbery, murder and kidnapping, said the OC.