Man dies in alleged shootout in Chapainawabganj

A man has been killed and another injured in an alleged shootout with police in Chapainawabganj’s Shibganj Upazila.

The shootout took place in Chowka village around 3am on Monday, said Chapainawabganj Superintendent of Police TM Mozahidul Islam.

The deceased has been identified as Quayyum Sheikh, 30, a resident of the Monkasha area.

The injured was identified as Firoz, 38, a resident of Chowka village.

Both of them were involved with illicit money transfer and drug trade, police said.

“A police team conducted an operation in the area based on a tip that a gang of drug traffickers were staying there. The criminals opened fire on police, prompting them to fire back, triggering a gunfight,” said Mozahidul.

Quayyum and Firoz found with bullet wounds after the incident were rushed to the Shibganj Upazila Health Complex.

“Quayyum and Firoz were later shifted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where Quayyum died around 7:30am on Monday. Firoz is being treated at the hospital.”

Soni Ali, 30, son of local drug peddler Sohbul Haque, has been detained from the spot.

A pistol, a magazine, four bullets and 200gm heroin were recovered from the scene.

More than 150 people have been killed in ‘crossfire’ and thousands of suspected drug dealers have been arrested since law-enforcement agencies began an anti-drug campaign on May 18.