A suspected drug trader was killed in a reported gunfight with members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) at Uttar Sheikhpur village in Sadar upazila early Wednesday.
The deceased was identified as Ekramul Hossain alias Arif, 32, son of Abdul Aziz Mondal of Uttar Gopalpur village in Panchbibi upazila. He was accused in several drug cases.
Additional superintendent of police MM Mohaimunir Rashid, company commander of Rab-5, said a team of the elite force conducted a drive at Swashanghat of the village around 3am to recover drugs.
When the team approached the area, a gang of drug traders opened fire on them, prompting them to fire back that triggered a gun battle.
After gunfight, the Rab team found injured Arif lying on the ground.
He was taken to Joypurhat Modern District Hospital where doctors declared him dead.
The two Rab personnel were also injured in the incident, Mohaimunir said, adding that they recovered a foreign pistol, a one-shooter gun, six bullets, a magazine, 550 bottle Phensedyl and 475 Yaba tablets from the spot.