Two alleged pirates have been killed in Sundarbans in what the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) described as a shootout.
The incident was reported from Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans in Bagerhat’s Sharankhola Upazila early on Tuesday (Jul 23), said RAB.
The deceased have been identified as Khalek, leader of a pirate gang locally known as Khalek Bahini and Belal.
"When a team of RAB was patrolling in the area, a group of pirates opened fire on them, forcing the elite force members to fire back in self-defense, which triggered the shootout," said RAB-8 Deputy Commander Major Shajibul Islam.
"When the pirates managed to flee the scene, RAB found Khalek and Belal with bullet wounds," said Islam.
"They were rushed to Dakope Upazila Health Complex where the doctor declared them dead," he said.
"Firearms and ammunition were seized from the scene," added the elite force official.