Sholakia attacker killed in 'shootout'

Two “militants,” including Shafiul Islam who was among the Sholakia attackers, were killed in a “gunfight” between Rab and Shafiul's associates in Mymensingh, Rab and police claimed. 

Identity of the second victim could not be known immediately.

But Commanding Officer of Rab-14 Lt Col Shariful Islam claimed he was an associate of Shafiul and was among those who attacked the Rab convoy.

Three Rab members suffered splinter injuries during the encounter and they were admitted to Nandail Upazila Health Complex in Mymensingh, Rab said.

The Rab official said Shafiul, also known as Saiful, had been undergoing treatment at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) under Rab custody since he was caught from the attack scene in Kishoreganj on the Eid day. 

After doctors released him yesterday, he was being taken to Kishoreganj to be handed over to the police, he said.

They came under attack at a place in Nandail when the attackers tried to snatch away Shafiul by hurling bombs and opening fires, he claimed.

A gun battle ensued when Rab fired back, leaving the two hit by bullets, he added.

Two motorcycles, several bombs and arms as well as some ammunition were recovered from the spot.

Nandail police said the “gunfight” happened around 11:00pm near a brickfield at Dangrigoshpala area under Chandipasha union, some three to four kilometres east of Nandail upazila headquarters.

Arif Mohammad Ziauddin, emergency medical officer at Nandail Upazila Health Complex, told our Mymensingh corespondent that the two were taken dead around midnight.

Shafiul is originally from Dinajpur. He was injured during an hour-long gun battle with police in Sholakia, when assailants attacked policemen with sharp weapons, guns and bombs.

Two policemen were killed in the attack while a woman from a nearby house died after being hit by stray bullets. Police later shot one suspected attacker dead.

Shafiul was allegedly involved in at least two other targeted killings in Kurigram and Panchagarh.