Two suspected drug traders were killed in separate incidents of ‘gunfight’ with police in Rajshahi and Chandpur districts early Thursday.

In Rajshahi, Manik, 30, a suspected drug trader, son of Shahab Uddin of Natun Para in Charghat upazila, was killed in a reported gunfight with police at Muktarpur village early Thursday.

Being tipped off that a group of drug traders were gathering in the area, a team of police conducted a drive around 2:45 am, said Nazrul Islam, officer-in-charge of Charghat Police Station.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the criminals opened fire on police, forcing them to fire back.

At one stage, Manik was caught in the line of fire and sustained bullet injuries. Later, he was taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital where doctors declared them dead.

Three policemen were injured in the incident. Manik was wanted in 13 cases, said police.

One pistol, one bullet and 50 bottles of Phensidyl were recovered from the spot.

In Chandpur, an unidentified man, believed to be a drug trader and aged about 30, was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Shahrasti upaizla early Thursday.

Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Shahrasti Model Police Station, said tipped off, a team of police conducted a drive in the area around 3:15 am.

Sensing presence of the law enforcers the criminals opened fire on them, prompting police to take action in self-defense. Later, the body the unidentified drug trader was recovered from the spot.

Beside, one pipegun, six bullets and 83 pieces of Yaba tablets were recovered from the spot.