Two members of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) sustained bullet injuries early Thursday after suspected drug dealers opened fire during an anti-narcotics drive in the capital’s Paltan area.

The injured officers were identified as assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Atique Hasan and constable Sujan, both from the DB’s Lalbagh Division. They were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in critical condition.

Confirming the incident, sub-inspector Md Masud of the DMCH police outpost said both officers are currently undergoing treatment, with one reported to be in serious condition.

According to police sources, the incident took place near the Central Police Hospital around 12:20am.

A DB team, led by Senior Assistant Commissioner Enayet Kabir Shoeb of the Lalbagh Division, attempted to stop a private car during the operation. Occupants of the vehicle—suspected drug dealers—opened fire, injuring the two policemen.

The wounded officers were initially taken to Rajarbagh Police Hospital before being transferred to DMCH for advanced treatment.

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ASI Atique sustained a bullet wound to the abdomen and was admitted to the one-stop emergency care (OSEC) unit, while constable Sujan, who was shot in the left leg, is being treated at the casualty department.

Police detained three suspects along with the private car involved in the incident. A total of 9,500 Yaba pills were also recovered from their possession.

Contacted for comments, DMP Media Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman confirmed the arrests.