Five criminals were killed in separate ‘gunfights’ with law enforcers in Keraniganj,  Kushtia, Natore and Laxmipur districts early Wednesday.

In Keraniganj, Nur Hossain Nuru, 35, a suspected drug trader and also wanted in 12 criminal cases, was killed in a reported gunfight with Detective Branch (DB) of police at Deushur in Keraniganj upazila around 3 am.

Monirul Islam, officer-in-charge of DB police, said the gunfight took place near Diamond Melamine Factory, from where police also recovered a firearm and 35 pieces of Yaba tablets.

In Kushita, two suspected drug traders--Phutu alias Monna, 35, son of Ahmed Ali and his nephew Russel Ahmed, 30, son of Rabiul Islam of Razarhat intersection—were killed in a reported gunfight with the members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) at Ananda Bazar in Mirpur upazila early Wednesday.

Being informed that a gang of drug traders were gathering in the area for drug-related business, a team of Rab-12 conducted a drive in the area, said Md Mohaiminul, Commanding officer of Rab-12.

Sensing the presence of the elite force, the criminals opened fire on Rab members forcing the elite force to fire back that left two people injured with bullets.

Later, they were taken to Kushita General Hospital where the doctors declared them dead.

Rab recovered two firearms, two cartridges, 12 bullets, 40 litres of liquor, 1500 pieces of Yaba tablets and 230 bottles of Phensidyl syrup from the spot.

In Natore, Osman Goni, a suspected drug trader was killed in a reported gunfight with Rab members at Bahimali area in Baraigram upazila on Tuesday night.

Commanding officer of Rab-5, Major Shiblee Mostafa, said sensing the presence of some criminals, Rab members challenged them and asked to surrender. At one stage, the criminals open fire on the law enforcers prompting them to fire in self-defence around 11:345 pm.

After a brief gunfight, the elite force recovered the body of Osman.

In Laxmipur, a suspected robber was killed in a reported gunfight between his cohorts and police at Charpata in Laxmipur upazila early Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Sohel, 26, son of Abdul Monaf of Raipur upazila. He was wanted in 19 criminal cases including that of murder, robbery.

Azizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Raipur Police Station, said a team of police arrested Sohel from Jhumur Cinema Hall area of the district town on Tuesday afternoon.

Later, police along with Sohel conducted a drive on Raipur-Chandpur highway to arrest his associates around 3 am.

Sensing presence of the law enforcers, the robbers opened fire to police forcing them to fire back.

At one stage, Sohel sustained bullet injuries during the gunfight and was taken to Sadar Hospital where the doctors declared him dead.

Two policemen were also injured during the incident.

One LG gun, three bullets and 300 Yaba pills were recovered from the spot.