‘Drug dealer’ killed in ‘gunfight’

A suspected drug peddler was killed in what Rab said was a "gunfight" with officers in Joypurhat early yesterday.

Rab officials claimed Ekramul Hossain, 32, of Gopalpur village in Panchbibi, was accused in at least 17 criminal cases filed with multiple police stations.

Mohaimenur Rashid, additional superintendent of police at Joypurhat Rab Camp, said over 500 bottles of Phensedyl, some yaba pills, two firearms and several bullets were seized at the scene.

Acting on a tip-off, a Rab  team raided a quiet place by the Shree river in Joypurhat town around 3:00am, he told The Daily Star.

As soon as the officers reached the area, the gang members started shooting at them, he said.

Rab members retaliated with gunshots ensuing a gunfight that lasted around 15 minutes, he claimed, adding that after the miscreants fled, Ekramul was found lying on the ground with bullet injuries.

He was pronounced dead by doctors when he was taken to Joypurhat Modern Hospital, the ASP said.

The body was sent to a morgue for autopsy, he added.