DHAKA: Two suspected hijackers were killed in a reported shootout with the members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Hazaribagh of the capital city early Monday (May 20).

The deceased were identified as Monir, 45 and Gias, 33.

RAB said a gang of hijackers snatched one of Ispahani Tea Company's covered-vans filled with tea leaves and reached Dhaka from Sreemangal.

In front of Modhu City, RAB members tried to stop the covered-van, in its way to Beribadh area via Gabtoli, around 3:45am. 

The suspects opened fire at the RAB members, enforcing them to retaliate with firing back.

At one stage, two of the suspects were found bullet-hit while the others fled the scene. The two were pronounced dead by the physicians at the hospital.

Deceased Monir was accused in 21 cases on various charges including hijacking. He was the ringleader of the hijacking gang. He earlier hijacked covered vans with tea leaves. The other deceased, Gias, was driving the hijacked covered-van Monday night, RAB said quoting Sreemongol police.

RAB-2 Company Commander Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohiuddin Faruki said two Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) of RAB were also injured in the shootout. 

The covered-van, foreign pistol and bullets were recovered from the spot, he added.

BDST: 1100 HRS, MAY 20, 2019
SI