A regional leader of the outlawed Purba Banglar Communist Party (ML) was killed and his associate injured in a ‘gunfight’ with police at Magura in Tala upazila early Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Gaffar Par, 40, a regional commander of the outlawed outfit and son of Abu Par of Danganlata village in the same upazila, while the injured was Saiful Islam of Sultanpur village in Sadar upazila of the district.

Officer-in-charge of Tala Police Station Sheikh Abu Bakkar Siddique said they had secret information that the outlawed party leader, Gaffar, along with his associates, numbering 14-15, was holding secret meeting at Tengra beel (water body) on Monday midnight to commit criminal activities in the area.

A team of police launched a drive in the area around 2:00am to arrest them and recover firearms in their possession.

Sensing the presence of police, Gaffar and his cohorts attacked the team of law enforces in a bid to protect them, triggering a fierce clash.

At least 20-25 rounds of gunshot were exchanged between the law enforcers and them, leaving Gaffar and his associate Saiful injured with bullets.

Critically injured Gaffar and Saiful were rushed to Tala health complex where doctors declared Gaffar dead.

A physician of the health complex said Gaffar had died before he reached the health complex.

Two police constables–Mohidul Islam and Hafiz Uddin – were also injured during the gunfight.

The police team also recovered one pipe gun, four rounds of bullet, two bullet shells, one dagger and one machete from the spot.