The dead, Jamal Hossain alias Zia alias Ranju, was a member of PBCP and charge-sheeted accused in seven murder cases, says a Rab press release.

Tipped off, Rab-5 of Rajshahi arrested Ranju at Mirpur in Dhaka on April 29.

Following his confessional statement, a Rab team took him to Taziarpara of Lakshmipur union in Ataikula to nab his accomplices and recover illegal arms.

According to Rab, as soon as they reached Taziarpara, Ranju's accomplices opened fire on Rab members triggering a 12-minute long gunfight.

Ranju managed to escape during the shootout but was found bullet hit after the gunfight was over while his accomplices fled.

A doctor declared him dead when he was taken to Pabna General Hospital, the Rab said.

One shutter gun, 3 cartridges and a large machete were recovered from the scene.