KHULNA: A leader of banned organization Purbo Bangla Communists Party (ML) was killed in a ‘gunfight’ with police in Chatiantola Dighirpar area of Fultala Upazila of the district early Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Tauhidul Islam Sabuj, 28, second in command of the party chief Shimul Bhuiyan.

Sources said that acting on a tip-off, a team of police raided the area at around 3:30am.

Sensing the presence of police, the gang of extremists opened fire aiming police which triggered a gunfight.

During the fight, Tauhidul caught in the line of fire, leaving him critically injured.

Later, police sent him to Fultala Hospital where doctor declared him dead.

Meanwhile, police recovered one gun, one pistol, 19 rounds bullets, six bombs and two choppers from the spot.

Confirming the matter, Officer-in-Charge of Khulna Detective Police Rokonuzzaman told banglanews, “The extremist was wanted in 12 cases including nine killing cases and two arms cases.”

BDST: 0925 HRS, JAN 28, 2014