As the nationwide drive against drugs continues, eight more suspected drug peddlers were killed in separate incidents of reported gunfights in Cumilla, Jamalpur, Kushtia, Gaibandha, Feni, Rangpur, and Thakurgaon early on Wednesday.

According to reports, 46 people were killed in ‘gunfights’ across the country since May 12.

Of the Wednesday’s victims, two were killed in Kushtia while one each in Cumilla, Jamalpur, Gaibandha, Feni, Rangpur, and Thakurgaon.

In Cumilla, Nurul Absar Isa, a top listed drug peddler was killed in reported gunfight between his cohorts and police in Gumti embankment area of Adarsha Sadar upazila early Wednesday.

Police arrested Nurul on Tuesday and following the information provided by him, a police team, led by additional Superintendent of Cumilla Police (sadar Circle) Tanvir Salehin, conducted a drive in the area to recover drugs, said Abu Salam, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Model Police Station.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the associates of Nurul opened fire to police, forcing them to fire back that triggered a gunfight.

Nurul was wanted in seven cases filed with different police stations, said the OC.

In Jamalpur, a suspected drug peddler was killed in a reported gunfight with police at Sankanda in the municipality area, said Nasimul Islam, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station.

The identity of the deceased could not be known immediately.

In Gaibandha, Raju Mia, a listed drug peddler and son of Abdul Jabbar of Raigram in Palashbari upazila, was killed in a reported gunfight between his cohorts and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) at Bisramgacchi village in the upazila early in the morning.

In Kushtia, Fatik alias Gaffar, 37, an alleged drug peddler, was killed in a reported gunfight at Lahini Para area in the district town.

Being tipped-off that some drug traders gathered in the area, a police team conducted a drive there to arrest them, said Abdul Khaleq, officer-in-charge of Kumarkhali Police Station.

At one stage, sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the criminals opened fire on them, forcing them to fire back that triggered a gunfight, police said.

Five policemen were injured during the gunfight, said the OC.

Police also recovered a firearm, a bullet, 700 pieces of Yaba tablets and 500 grams of hemp from the spot.

Besides, Aminul Islam, officer-in-charge of Bheramara Police Station, said Liton Sheikh, in his forties of Naudapara village, was killed in the gunfight that took place near Hawakhali Brick Kiln filed in the upazila early in the morning.

Police also recovered a LG gun, three bullets, 500 pieces of Yaba tablets and some heroin from the spot.

In Feni, an alleged drug trader was killed in a gunfight with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at Kalipas area in the district headquarter on Tuesday night.

The deceased is Mohammad Faruk, in his thirties, from Chandanaish upazila of the district.

Being tipped-off that a consignment of Yaba pills will reach Dhaka from Cox’s Bazar in a private car, a team of the elite forces stationed a check post at the place, said Squadron leader Shafayet Zamil Fahim, camp in-charge of RAB-7.

The criminal opened fire on the security forces soon after they gave a signal to stop the car around 11:00pm, prompting the law enforcers to retaliate.

Faruk sustained bullets during the shootouts.

Later, the injured was rushed to Feni District Sadar Hospital where duty doctor declared him dead.

Members of the elite forces recovered around 20,000 pieces of Yaba tablets, a local gun, and arms from the car.

In Rangpur, Shaheen, in his forties, an alleged drug peddler and resident of Abhirampur Sukanchaki village in the city was killed in a reported gunfight with police at Hazirhat Bridge area in the city around 2:00am.

Saifur Rahman, additional superintendent of Rangpur police, said the gunfight took place as a patrol team of police went there after receiving information of drug dealing in the area.

Police also recovered one pistol and 129 bottles of Phensidyl from the spot.

In Thakurgaon, Aftabul, in his thirties, a suspected drug pusher and son of Belsa Mohammd of Parua village in Baliadangi upazila, was killed in a reported gunfight with police at Bhatarmari on Thakurgaon-Pirganj road in the early hours of Wednesday.

Aftabul was wanted in 20 cases including 15 drug related cases, said AKM Sajedul Islam, officer-in-charge of Baliadangi Police Station.

Police recovered 100 bottles of phensidyl syrup from his possession, he added.