An alleged drug peddler has been killed in Dhaka in what the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) described as shootout.

The incident was reported early on Tuesday (Jan 21) from Borua area in the capital’s Khilkhet, said RAB.

The deceased has been identified as 33-year-old Anowar Hossain.

“Acting on a tip-off that a gang of drug peddlers are residing in the area, RAB conducted a drive in the area. As soon as RAB reached the spot, a group of drug peddlers opened fire on them, forcing them to fire back which triggered a shootout,” said Lt Col Sarwar Bin Kashem, director of RAB media wing.

“RAB spotted a bullet hit person lying on the ground after the shootout while the other drug peddlers managed to flee from the scene. The person was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where the doctor declared him dead,” said Lt Col Kashem.

“Later, RAB identified the person as Anowar who was a listed drug peddler,” he said.

One RAB member was also injured in the incident, said the elite police official before adding, 4 firearms, 34 rounds of ammunition and huge amount of yaba tablets were seized from the scene.