Two suspected drug dealers have been killed in separate incidents of “gunfights” in two districts.
The incidents took place on Sunday.
So far, about 132 people, mostly alleged drug dealers, have been killed across Bangladesh since law enforcement agencies launched a crackdown on narcotics early May.
In Rangpur, suspected drug peddler Rafiqul Islam was killed in an alleged gunfight with police in Kaunia upazila in the early hours of the day.
Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a drive in Haragach area, Rangpur Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Saifur Rahman said.
Sensing police presence, the alleged drug peddlers opened fire on them.
In retaliation, the law enforces fired back, leaving Rafiqul dead on the spot, the police official said.
Police recovered locally made firearms from the spot.
Rafiqul was a listed drug dealer and accused in 10 cases, police added.
In Tangail, suspected drug dealer Ruhul, 30, was killed in a reported gunfight in Kalihati upazila.
RAB 12 official Rabiul Islam said they conducted a drive in Golra area following a tip-off that a group of drug peddlers were meeting there.
The criminals opened fire on the members of Rapid Action Battalion, forcing them to fire back, which triggered a gunfight, Rabiul said.
Ruhul received gunshots while his accomplices fled the spot.
He was taken to Tangail General Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.
Two RAB members were also injured in the incident, Rabiul said. Of them, one was critical.
The RAB official said they recovered yaba pills, heroin, and firearms from the spot.
