Bagerhat: A suspected forest robber was killed in a reported gunfight with members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Sapmari area of Rampal upazila of Bagerhat early on Sunday.

The deceased is Haider Ali, 38.

Major Sajibul Islam, deputy commanding officer of Rab-8, said a total 27 forest robbers of three gangs were scheduled to surrender before Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday noon depositing arms and explosives.

When a team of Rab went to the Sundarbans to bring them around 3:00am, some robbers of another gang opened fire on the elite force members, prompting them to retaliate that triggered the gunfight.

When the robbers fled away the Rab members recovered Haider’s body from the spot.

They also recovered three local weapons and several round of bullets.

The body was handed over Rampal Police Station.