A yaba trader was killed in a reported gunfight with the member of Boarder Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Baishphari border area under Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban on early Friday.

The deceased is Md Abdur Rahim, 25, son of Wadul Haque, hailing from Kutupalong Rohingya camp in Ukhia upazila of Cox’s Bazar.

BGB members also recovered 50,000 pieces of yaba pills, a locally made pistol and 4 rounds of cartridges from the spot.

Lt. Colonel Ali Haider Azad Ahmed, captain of BGB-34, said: "Acting on a tip-off about a big consignment of yaba being smuggled into the country, a team of BGB took position at Tumbru Baishphari border in Ghumdhum Union of Naikhongchari upazila at 3:30 am".

Seeing a group of drug traders entering Bangladesh, the team challenged them and the gang members opened fire on the law enforcers, forcing them to fire back which then triggered the skirmish, the BGB captain said.

At one point drug peddlers fled the scene leaving one of their accomplices behind. BGB men rescued the man with bullet injury and took him to Ukhia Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared him dead, he said, adding that legal action will be taken in this regard. 

BDST: 1430 HRS, JAN 22, 2021
AP