Dhaka: A regional commander of outlawed Purba Bangla Communist Party (ML) was killed in a gunfight with members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at Shymar Ghat of Tangail Sadar Upazila on Friday, RAB and police said.

RAB-12 commander additional superintendent of police Mohiuddin Faruki confirmed the news saying, ‘The deceased was identified as Mojibur Rahman Sheke, in his forties, an accused in 18 criminal cases including murder, terrorism and extortion cases.’

The encounter took place in Shymar Ghat area as the RAB members went there hearing gun-fighting between two local rival extremist groups, he said.

Sensing the presence of law enforcers, they opened fire targeting them. The RAB members retaliated by firing. At one stage, both the agitating groups fled the scene. Later, RAB found the blood-stained body of Sheke.

One pistol, two bullets and one magazine were also recovered from the spot.

The body was sent to Tangail Medical College Hospital morgue.

A case was filed with concerned police station in this connection.