DHAKA: Two Bangladeshi expatriates were killed in an encounter between two rebel groups in Bengazi of Libya on Friday afternoon.

The deceased were identified as Shafiqur Rahman, 33, of Pirojpur district and Abul Kalam, 32 of Barguna district.

Director of Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare Board (Finance & Welfare) Mohsin Chawdhury said that the victims worked as cleaner under an institution named Sharikat Kazi.

After performing their duty, they were returning home by a taxi-cab around 4:30pm and fell in the line of fire during a gunfight of two rebel groups, leaving them killed along with the taxi-cab driver on the spot.

Bangladesh Embassy in Libya confirmed the matter to media.

The bodies would be returned to Bangladesh after completing legal formalities but it would take time, he added.

BDST: 2145 HRS, FEB 22, 2014