A regional leader of banned outfit Gono Mukti Fauj was killed in a “shootout” with law enforcers in Jhenidah sadar upazila early yesterday.
Deceased Bidhan Chandra Biswas, 45, son of Niranjan Chandra Biswas of Munuria village of the sadar upazila, was the Khulna region chief of the outfit, according to police.
Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury, officer-in-charge (OC) of Jhenidah Sadar Police Station, said a patrol team of Rapid Action Battalion heard a gunshot in Shamashpur village around 3:30am. They informed the sadar police of the matter and jointly launched a drive and found the members of the outlawed organisation holding a “secret” meeting.
Sensing exposure, the outlaws opened fire on the law enforcers prompting them to retaliate, said the OC, adding that at least 20 gunshots had been exchanged during the 25-minute conflict.
He said when the outlaws fled the scene, police found Bidhan bullet-hit on the spot and recovered a pistol, a revolver, a shutter gun and two bullets from there.
“The man was rushed to Jhenidah Sadar Hospital where the doctors declared him dead,” said OC Iqbal Bahar.
The body was sent to the sadar hospital morgue for an autopsy.
Bidhan was accused in 22 cases including 12 for murder, the OC said.