They are Santu, 32, a cadre of Gono Mukti Fouj (GMF) in Kushtia, and Mohiuddin alias Mohi, a member of Sramajibi Mukti Andolan (SMA).

Our Kushtia correspondent reported that a team of Rab-12 arrested Santu at Patildangi village under Khoksa upazila at about 2:30pm on Thursday and took him to Kushtia Rab office for quizzing.

On his statement, the Rab team along with Santu started for Patildangi to recover hidden firearms and arrested his accomplices.

When they reached Simulia village under the upazila at about 3:30am, Shantu's cohorts opened fire, prompting the elite force to retaliate.

During the "shootout" Santu tried to flee from Rab vehicle and received bullets. He died instantly, while his accomplices managed to flee, Rab sources said.

One shutter gun and two bullets were recovered from the spot. Police said Santu was an accused in three murder cases filed with Rajbari and Khoksa police stations.

According to our Jhenidah correspondent, a team of Rab-6 arrested Mohiuddin Mohi, 48, at Vaina village under Harinakundo upazila at around 12:10pm on Thursday and took him to Rab office in the district town.

Following his confessional statement, the Rab team, taking Mohi with them, went to the village at about 1:30 am yesterday to recover hidden firearms and arrest his cohorts.

Sensing the presence of the Rab men, some members of the outlawed outfit opened fire. Rab returned fire.

Rab sources said Mohi was shot during the encounter and died on the spot while his accomplices managed to flee.

Officer-in-charge (OC) of Harinakundo Police Station said Mohi was a regional leader of Sramajibi Mukti Andolan and wanted in five cases including two for murder.