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

The incident was reported early on Sunday (Jan 19) from Shekolghera area in the upazila’s Hnila Union, said BGB.

The deceased has been identified as 25-year-old Mohammad Aiach of Kutupalong Rohingya camp in Ukhiya.

“Being tipped-off that a huge consignment of yaba tablets will be smuggled from Myanmar, a BGB team took position at Jadimura Point of Naf River in Shikolghera area. When the BGB members noticed a group of people arrived in a boat after crossing Naf River, the law enforcers challenged them. Sensing the presence of law enforcers, the people opened fire on the BGB team, in retaliation they had to fire back triggering a shootout,” said Lt Col Foysal Hasan Khan, captain of Teknaf-2 BGB battalion.

“Aiach sustained bullet wounds during the shootout, while his three cohorts fled the scene,” said Lt Col Foysal Hasan Khan.

“Aiach was rushed to the Teknaf Upazila Health Complex where the doctor declared him dead,” he said.

The body has been kept at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for autopsy,” said the senior BGB officer.

BGB seized 220,000 yaba tablets, one locally made firearm, one ammunition and a empty bullet shell from the spot.

Three BGB members were also injured in the shootout.