An alleged drug peddler has been killed in Cox’s Bazar in what the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) described as shootout.

The incident was reported from Jaliapara area in the district’s Teknaf Upazila around 5am on Sunday (Jan 20), said BGB.

The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Mostak Ahmed Prakash Muchu.

“A joint force comprising of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Police conducted a raid and arrested Mostak from Uttar Jaliapara area late on Saturday (Jan 19). Following his information, the joint force conducted drive in the area to recover arms and drugs in the early hours on Sunday (Jan 20),” said Lt Col Md Asaduzzaman Chowdhury, commanding officer of BGB-2 battalion.

“When the force reached the area, cohorts of Mostak opened fire on the team to snatch him away, prompting the law enforcers to fire back, triggering the shootout. Mostak suffered bullet injuries during the incident and he was taken to the Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital where the doctor declared him dead.” added Chowdhury.

“10,000 yaba pills, a firearm, empty bullet-shells were seized from the scene,” he added.

“The body has been kept at the hospital for autopsy,” added the BGB officer.

Three members of BGB and the police were injured during the shootout, claimed BGB.