Two suspected Rohingya drug peddlers have been killed in a reported gunfight with Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban on Sunday.
The incident occurred near the Ghumdhum border around 5 am on Sunday. The deceased were identified as Mohammad Yasin 30, and Hosasin Ali, 20. Both are hailed from Kutupalong Refugee Camp in Ukhiya upazila of Cox's Bazar.
Lt Colonel Ali Haidar Azad Ahmed, commanding officer of the BGB 34 Battalion in Cox's Bazar, said that a BGB patrol team, led by Nayek Mizanur, were making rounds from Tumbru BOP (34 BGB) border towards Chairman Ghona area, when a gang of drug traders opened fire at them. The BGB officials fired back in self-defence, triggering a gunfight. The two men were caught in the line of fire and were severely injured.
Later, BGB members took them to Ukhiya Health Complex in Cox's Bazar, where the on-duty doctors declared the duo dead. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Naikhongchhari Police Station Anwar Hossain said, "Around 40,000 yaba pills, one shotgun, and two fresh bullets were recovered from the spot.”
The bodies would be taken to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital for autopsy, he added.
A case has been filed in this regard, the BGB commanding officer said. He added that the duo were recently accused on charges of attacking BGB members near Dochori border.