10 more killed in ‘shootouts’

FT ONLINE

10 more suspected drug traders were killed in reported gunfights with members of law enforcing agencies early Sunday as anti-narcotics crackdown continues across the country.

Of them, one each was killed in Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Noakhali, Mymensingh, Khulna, Bagerhat, Thakurgaon and Kushtia districts.

Among the deceased, two alleged drug traders were killed in reported gunfights between two groups of drug dealers in Meherpur and Jhenidah districts.

According to reports reaching the news desk, a total of 92 people were killed in 'gunfights' across the country since May 12.

In Cox's Bazar, listed drug trader Md Ekramul Haque, 46, councilor of ward no 3 in Teknaf Municipality, was killed in a reported gunfight with members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) on Cox's Bazar-Teknaf marine drive road in Noakhaliapara around 12:30 am.

The elite force also recovered 10,000 Yaba tablets, a foreign pistol, a one shooter gun, six round bullets and five bullet shells from the spot.

In Chattogram, suspected drug trader Md Rihan Prakash, 27, son of Maliul Haque of Golabaria area of Muradpur union in Sitakunda upazila, was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Guliakhali Sandwip ferry ghat area around 12:45 am.

Mozammel Haque, officer-in-charge of Sitakunda police station, said the team of police also arrested three of Rihan's associates -- Zafor, Kala Sumon and Titu -- from the spot.

Rihan was accused in eight cases, said the OC.

In Noakhali, a suspected drug trader Hasan Mia, son of Hanif Mia of Banoai village in Sonaimuri upazila, was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Bogadia area around 3 am.

He was wanted in 11 case, said AKM Zahirul Islam, additional superintend of district police.

Three police officials were injured during the gunfight, he said.

Police recovered a LG gun, seven round bullet and 120 pieces of Yaba tablets from the spot.

In Mymensingh, an unidentified drug trader was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Kewatkhali Morakhola area around 1:30 am.

Police recovered 100g heroin, 100 Yaba tablets, four bullet shells and two machetes from the spot, said Ashiqur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Detective Branch of district police.

Besides, two constables Humayun and Amir Hamja were injured in the 'gunfight'.

In Khulna, suspected drug trader Abu Kalam, accused in 5 cases, was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Barakpur Siddiqpasa Kheye ghat area of Dighalia upazila around 3 am, said assistant superintendent of Khulna Police Anisur Rahman.

Besides, police in anti-drug drives arrested 25 people from Saturday night to Monday morning.

In Bagerhat, suspected drug trader Mitul Biswas, 45, son of Khoka Biswas of Chingguri village in Chitalmari upazila, accused in 25 cases, was killed in a reported gunfight with a joint team of members of police and Detective Branch in an orchard in the village around 3:15 am.

Police recovered 100 Yaba tablets, 2kg hemp, a shutter gun, two round bullets and a machete from the spot.

Anukul Chandra Sarker, officer-in-charge of Chitalmari Police Station, said five policemen were injured during the gunfight.

In Thakurgaon, a suspected drug trader Rafiqul Islam alias Taleban, 55, son of Liakat Ali of Bhornia village in Ranisankail upazila, was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Miradangi area.

Farhat Ahmed, superintendent of Thakurgaon police, said Rafiqul was accused in 20 cases.

In Meherpur, suspected drug trader Hafizul Islam Hafi, 45, son of Shaheed Freedom Fight Harez Uddin, was killed in a reported gunfight between two groups of drug traders at Bathangari field in Garabaria village under Kathuli union of Gangni upazila around 2 am.

Harendra Nath Sarker, officer-in-charge of Gangni Police station, said that being informed about gunfight, a team of police conducted drive there. Sensing the presence of police, the drug traders fled away.

Later, they spotted Hafi as bullet-hit condition. The injured was taken to Gangni Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Police also recovered a one shooter gun, 112 bottles of Phensidyl from the spot.

In Jhenidah, suspected drug trader Liton Molla, 35, son of Hakim Molla, resident of Sheikh Para village, was killed in a reported gunfight between two groups of drug traders in Jamtola area of Shailkupa upazila around 2:30 am.

Police recovered a shooter gun, three round bullets, 10 bottles Phensidyl and several Yaba tablets from the spot, said Alamgir Hossain, officer-in-charge of Shailkupa Police Station adding that Liton was a top drug trader of the district.

In Kushtia, suspected drug trader Halim Mandal, 35, son of Selim Mandal of Baria village in Sadar upazila, was killed in a reported gunfight with police in housing 'D' block field area in the district town around 1:30 am.

Nasir Uddin, officer-in-charge of Kushtia Model Police Station, said police also recovered a shutter gun, a pipe gun, three round bullets and 800 pieces of Yaba tablets.

The OC also said that Halim was a listed drug trader.

Meanwhile, four policemen were injured in the gunfight.