Two killed in gunfight in Dhaka: Rab

Two people were killed in an alleged shootout with Rab members in Dhaka's Diabari area early today.

The deceased were identified as Ibrahim Khalil (50) and his associate Omar Faruk (38). Rab suspects the duo to be drug peddlers. Both were residents of Gazipur's Tongi area and were accused in at least 14 cases each with different police stations, Rab said.

The gunfight took place around 2:30am when a Rab team set up a checkpoint after receiving information that some drug peddlers were carrying a consignment of Yaba, said Rab-1 Assistant Director Md Kamruzzaman.

While searching through the vehicles, a motorcycle carrying two persons refused to listen to Rab's signal to stop and instead tried to speed away, the Rab official said.

When Rab chased the bike, the riders opened fire at the law enforcers, who returned fire in self-defence, resulting in a "gunfight".

The motorcycle riders were rushed to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital after they suffered bullet injuries. Doctors at the hospital declared them dead, Kamruzzaman, also an assistant superintendent of police added.

Rab claims to have recovered two pistols, nine bullets, 3,090 pieces Yaba pills and one motorcycle from the spot.