Police said Kawser alias Kasr, 45, arrested Friday evening, was being taken to Bajitpur area in search of arms following his confessional statement.

On the way, his cohorts opened fire on policemen in Canalpara area. Police returned fire, leading to a gunfight between the two sides, police said.

"As Kasr tried to escape from police custody during the shootout, he was caught in the crossfire and suffered bullet wounds. He died on way to upazila health complex," they said.

Hailed from Srirampur village in the upazila, Kasr was said to be a cadre of Purba Banglar Communist Party (PBCP-Janajuddho). He formed his new bahini two months ago.

He was wanted in a number of cases, including murder and robbery.