Two persons accused in murder cases were killed in separate "gunfights" with elite force Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and police in Jessore and Comilla districts early today.
Including the two, at least 22 people have been killed this year in "gunfights," eight in the capital alone, triggering a fresh spate of criticism over "extrajudicial killings" in the country.

In Comilla, Kala Shwapan, 27, an accused of at least 26 criminal charges, was killed in custody at Bhatpara area of Sadar upazila (south) around 1:30am.

Prashanta Pal, officer-in-charge of Comilla Sadar (south) Police Station told our correspondent police detained Shwapan Saturday afternoon. "Cops launched a crackdown on hidden arms based on intel obtained from Shwapan in Bhatara area."

At one stage, sensing police's presence, Shwapan's associates opened gunfire on the law enforcers compelling them to fire back leaving Shawpan injured at spot, the OC added. "Five policemen were also shot during the gunfight."

Rushed to Comilla Medical College Hospital, Shwapan succumbed to his wounds. "He was a fugitive of local Juba League leader Mostaque Mia murder," the OC said.

One revolver, six rounds of bullets and a pistol were recovered from the spot.

In Jessore, Raju, 22, accused in at least six criminal cases including a murder, was killed in a "shootout" while in custody with Rab in Jessore town around 3:30am.

In Jessore, Raju, 22, accused in at least six criminal cases including a murder, was killed in a "shootout" while in custody with Rab in Jessore town around 3:30am.
Maj Ashraf, commander of the Rab-6, told a correspondent that the elite force launched an anti-crime drive and detained Raju from Garikhal Road around 9:30pm.

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With information grilled out from Raju, Rab men cracked down in Ishmam Petrol Pump area on Murali Road of the town to seize his hidden arms, he said.

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"In a bid to snatch Raju from Rab, criminals started indiscriminate firing on the elite forcer. Rab men were forced to fire back leaving Raju dead on the spot," he added,

One pistol and a shooter gun were recovered from the spot. Raju was an accused killer of one local Juba League leader Arnab, the Rab official said.