One killed in 'shootout'

An alleged robber was killed in a 'shootout' between his cohorts and Rapid Action Battalion in Araihazar upazila here early yesterday.
The dead is Shafiqul Islam, 42, son of late Chan Mia of Daudkandi upazila in Comilla.
Shafiqul was accused in 38 cases, including seven for murder, police said.
A team of Rab-11 raided Gopaldi Dakshinpara area where a group of robbers were preparing to commit a robbery, said a Rab official of Adamzi camp.
Sensing their presence, the robbers opened fire on the law enforcers. This forced Rab members to retaliate triggering the 'gunfight'.
At one stage, Shafiqul was caught in the line of fire while his associates managed to flee the scene, added the official.
Bullet-hit Shafiqul was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where the doctors declared him dead.
Rab recovered one Italian pistol, one shotgun and two cartridges from the spot.
Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge of Araihazar Police Station Syed Nazrul Islam said the body was sent to the hospital morgue for an autopsy.