Militant accused of attacking Bangla Eid gathering killed in 'gun fight'

Dhaka: An Islamist extremist accused of carrying a deadly attack on Bangladesh's biggest Eid gathering was killed in a 'gun fight' when terrorists attacked a police van transporting him, police said on Friday.

Shafiul Islam, 22, was being driven to a police station yesterday when the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) vehicle carrying him was attacked by terrorists.

Lt Col Shariful Islam, Commanding Officer of Rab-14 said Shafiul was killed during the gun fight.

He said three security personnel were also injured in the clashes and two motorcycles, arms and bullets were recovered from the spot.

RAB claimed the gun battle took place while militants were trying to take Shafiul away, bdnews reported.

Bombs exploded near an Eid prayer gathering in Sholakia in northern Kishoreganj district on July 7 where at least 200,000 people had gathered. Four persons, including two policemen and a Hindu woman, were also killed in the attack.

Shafiul was a member of Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), which is accused of carrying out a wave of killings of foreigners and religious minorities.