Rajshahi: A suspected drug peddler was killed in a reported gunfight with members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at AfiNepalpara in Pabaupazila early Friday.

The deceased was identified as Hasibul Hossain, 34, son of Aftab Hossain Pochu of Sonakandi village in the upazila. He was wanted in several cases, said police, reports the UNB.

Tipped off, a team of RAB-5 conducted a drive in the area around 3:00am and asked the criminals to surrender, said Major AFM Ashraful Islam, deputy commanding officer of RAB-5.

Defying the RAB order, the criminals fired gunshots at the RAB members, forcing them to fire back in self-defence.

At one stage, one of the suspected drug peddler suffered bullet wounds. The RAB members then took him to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

One pistol, one magazine, two bullets and 78 bottles of phensidyl were recovered the spot, said Ashraful Islam.