Alleged drug dealer killed in 'gunfight'

An alleged drug dealer was killed in a “gunfight” between his cohorts and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Siddhirganj upazila yesterday.

The Rab claims the deceased, Farid Miah alias Phensy Farid, 35, son of Balal Miah of Rupganj upazila, was a listed top drug dealer in the district.

Commander Russell Ahmed Kabir, chief of Rab-11, said a team conducted a raid on Tant Jute Mills area on information that peddlers were gathering there to trade drugs.

Sensing the presence of Rab, the drug peddlers opened fire on them, forcing the elite force to retaliate.

The Rab later found bullet-hit Farid and rushed him to Narayanganj General Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Two members of Rab were also injured in the incident. The law enforcers recovered a foreign-made pistol with bullets and Yaba tablets from the spot.

With the latest incident, at least 231 suspected drug traders or peddlers were killed since the anti-narcotics drive began on May 4. Most of them were killed in so-called gunfight involving police and Rab.