Two suspected drug traders were killed in a reported gunfight with members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Dagonbhuiyan upazila of Feni district early Wednesday.
The deceased were identified as Mohammad Asad, 42, son of Toru and Emamul Akond 24, son of Manik Akond of Rajoir upazila in Madaripur district.
Tipped off, a team of the elite force gave signal to a covered van to stop around 2:30am, said Squadron Leader Shafayet Jamil Fahim of RAB-7 Feni camp.
Defying the signal, the criminals instead opened fire on the lawmen, forcing them to fire back in self-defence.
At one stage, Asad and Emamul caught in the line of fire and died on the spot, news agency UNB reported citing the law official.
The RAB team also recovered a one shutter gun, 13 bullets, and 250 kgs of hemp from the spot.
They also seized the covered van.