2 killed in gunfight: Police

Two people were killed in what the police called gunfight with them in Jhimangkhali Chingri Project area of Teknaf, Cox's Bazar early Monday, reports UNB.

The deceased were identified as Mahmud Ullah, 26, and Mohammad Mizan, 24. Police said they were suspected drug traders.

Pradip Kumar Das, officer-in-charge of Teknaf model police station, said they arrested Mahmud along with 5,000 yaba pills after raiding a microbus on Sunday morning.

Police took him with them during a raid in the area around 1:00am based on information given by him, the OC said.

“But as soon as police reached the area, a gang of yaba traders opened fire and tried to snatch Mahmud,” he said.

“Mahmud and Mizan sustained gunshot wounds during the skirmish.” They were taken to Teknaf upazila hospital where doctors declared them dead, the police officer said.

Police said they recovered 10,000 yaba pills, two LGs and bullet shells from the spot.

According to the human rights body, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), at least 370 people were killed in alleged gunfights, crossfires or shootouts with the law enforcement agencies including police, RAB, BGB in 2019.

At least 45 people were killed in gunfights, shootouts and crossfires in the first two months 2020, ASK said on its website.