Another dead in ‘shootout’ with Rab

 A man was killed in what the Rab claimed was a gunfight with the law enforcers in Manikganj early yesterday.

The dead, identified as Kawser Ali Mondal, 45, from Joypurhat's Panchbibi upazila, was an accused in at least 12 robbery cases, claimed the Rab.

Just four days ago, Raju, 35, an accused in a murder case, was shot dead in a "shootout" with Rab members in Cumilla.

Raju's death was the first such incident since the US imposed sanctions on Rab for rights violations on December 10, 2021.

Khandaker Al Moin, Rab's Legal and Media wing director, said the "gunfight" in Manikganj also left two Rab members with injuries as some armed miscreants opened fire at their microbus on Singair-Hemayetpur regional highway. A window of Rab's microbus was shattered, and a tire burst, in the alleged gunfight.

The law enforcers retaliated, leaving Kawser dead, he said, adding that the injured officials were taken to Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka.

An attempt to murder case was filed by Rab-4 against the victim while a murder case was filed as well against him and several unidentified miscreants, since two Rab officials were injured, even though the only murder victim was Kawser himself.

According to the first information report filed by police, the incident occurred around 1:35am at night.

"A critically injured Kawser was rushed to Manikganj Sadar Hospital, where he was declared dead by doctors at 5:30am," claimed the FIR.

The hospital is approximately 40 minutes away from Singair upazila.

Furthermore, two of the witnesses named in the FIR said that they both saw a dead body lying on the road.

"I was home eating sehri. Our house is 300 yards away from the spot. Rab officials came to our house and requested us to go and help them. I did not know what was going on, but I went anyway," said Md Rifat Mahmud, 20.

"Once there, I saw a dead body lying on the street. I was asked to sign a document… I could not refuse but I did not witness any gunfight," said Rifat, who is named as a witness in the case. 

Md Saiful Islam, 37, did not see the gunfight either.

"I am a CNG driver. I was on duty with the police that night. I was called to the spot and asked to sign a document saying that I saw a dead body."

Rab spokesperson Khandaker added that incidents of robbery are common on the regional highway and criminals fire at private vehicles to stop them. When the drivers stop their vehicles out of fear, they get looted.

Rab claimed to have recovered two firearms and some sharp weapons from the spot.

On the other hand, locals could not say anything about the incident of gunfight with the RAB.

Sufia Akhter, a resident of Dasherhati Alammara area, said, "I heard a few gunshots at night. On the way to Charigram market in the morning, I heard a body was lying there. I don't know more than that.

Razu Ahmed, the only son of Kawser and a second year HSC student, said his father visited them after seven months. "No matter what, nobody wants such death of their dear ones. My mother broke down heavily as it's hard to accept such a demise."

Badrul Alam, medical officer of CMH, said the body was found with six shots on both sides of chest and five bullets exited the body, while the other was found inside. The autopsy done at around 4:00pm.