'Robber' dies in gunfight

An alleged robber was killed in a 'gunfight' between his cohorts and police at Sonarampur on Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Ashuganj upazila under the district early yesterday.

The deceased was Sharif, 28, a resident of Charchartola village in Ashuganj upazila of the district.

"Tipped off that a gang was preparing to commit robbery on Dhaka-Sylhet highway, a police team conducted a drive there around 3:00am," said Mohammad Selim Uddin, officer-in-charge of Ashuganj Police Station.

"Sensing the presence of policemen, the gang members opened fire at them, prompting the law enforcers to retaliate. Sharif was killed and Assistant Sub-Inspector [ASI] Sharfin was injured during the gunfight. Other associates of Sharif managed to flee.

"Sharif was wanted in eight cases" the OC added.