‘Drug dealer’ killed in ‘gunfight’

A suspected drug peddler was killed in a "gunfight" with police in Chatkhil upazila of Noakhali early yesterday.

The dead Sayem Feroz, 41, was accused in 12 cases related to drugs, arms and robbery, said Alamgir Hossain, superintendent of Noakhali police.

Anwarul Islam, officer-in-charge of Chatkhil Station, claimed a police team conducted a drive in Khilpara area around 2:00am on information that some men were smuggling a consignment of drugs there.

Sensing police presence, the gang of drug peddlers, including Sayem, opened fire, prompting the law enforcers to retaliate in ''self-defence'', the police official added.

At one stage, Sayem suffered bullet injuries while his cohorts managed to flee.

He was rushed to Chatkhil Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared him dead around 4:00am, said the OC.

Three policemen, including sub-inspector Jasim Uddin and ASI Emran Ali, were also injured during the "gunfight", he claimed.

Police also claimed to have recovered two firearms, 15 rounds of cartridge and 400 yaba pills from the spot.

The Daily Star, however, could not independently verify the police claims.