A suspected drug peddler has been killed in a so-called shootout with Rapid Action Batallion or RAB in Barishal.

The gunfight occurred in the town's Harinafulia area in the early hours of Thursday, said Kotwali Police OC Nurul Islam, citing RAB-8's account of the incident.

The dead man was identified as Saiduzzaman Malek, 35. He was implicated in a series of narcotics-related cases with the police, said the OC.

"Malek died during a gunfight between a gang of drug peddlers and RAB." RAB is yet to disclose details of the incident.

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