5 killed in Rangamati ‘gunfight’

Five persons have been killed in a “gunfight” with the members of Bangladesh Army in Rangamati’s Baghachharhi Upazila.

The Army members claimed that the deceased were the members of Jana Sanghati Samity (JSS) faction while the JSS denied the claim.

One of the deceased was identified as Rupayon Chakma, 30.

OC Zakir Hossain Fakir of Baghaichhari police station said: “Tipped off that the gang was taking preparation to commit crime, a team of army led by Baghaihat zone captain Lieutenant Colonel Ali Haider Siddique went to Dokhaiapara around 2:30 am Saturday.

“Sensing presence of the army team, the criminals opened fire on them, prompting the army personnel to fire back, triggering a gunfight. Five members of the gang were killed in the two hours long gunfight that ended around 4:30 am.”

Army trooper Liakat Ali was also injured in the clash, said the OC. “He has been admitted to Combined Military Hospital in Chittagong.”

Army arrested three members of the gang while their other associates managed to flee.

Seven firearms, including one pistol, one SMG, two rifles, three SLRs, and 500 rounds of bullets were recovered from the spot, reported UNB.

A joint team of army, Border Guard Bangladesh and police was conducting search in the area while filing this report around 10am.

Source: Dhaka Tribune