A local leader of outlawed Purba Banglar Communist Party (PBCP) was killed in an alleged gunfight with police in Harinakundo upazila of Jhenidah early today. 

The deceased, Badsha Sheikh, 50, was accused in nine cases including seven for murder, reports our correspondent from Jhenidah quoting police. 

Acting on information, police launched a drive and encircled a group of outlaws who were holding a secret meeting at a field of Jora-pukuria village around 2:00am, said Ashaduzzaman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Harinakundo Police Station.     

Sensing presence of law enforcers, the criminals opened fire targeting police triggering a gunfight in retaliation, said the OC.

At one stage, the criminals managed to escape the scene leaving a bullet-hit body at the spot, the police official said.

Villagers identified the body as Badsha Sheikh, a regional leader of PBCP, he said.

Sub-inspector Golam Sarwar and constable Sohel Rana also suffered injuries during the gunfight, he added.

Police recovered one shutter-gun and one round of bullets from the spot.

The body has been sent to Jhenidah Sadar Hospital for autopsy and will be handed over to the family, the OC added.