Three suspected forest robbers were killed in a shootout with the members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) near the Sundarbans in Barguna district on Wednesday morning.
One of the deceased was identified as Swapan Peyada, kingpin of Munna Bahini.
Major Sohel Rana Prince, company commander of RAB-8 in Barisal said on secret information that a gang of bandits were staying in the area, a team of elite force conducted a drive there.
Sensing presence of the team, the gang members opened fire on them, prompting the RAB personnel to fire back that triggered a gunfight.
Several gunshots were traded between the robber gang and the Rab members during the gun battle.
Three robbers were caught in the line of fire and died on the spot, said UNB citing the RAB commander.
The RAB team also recovered seven firearms and 38 rounds of bullets from the spot.