The Rab arrested Syed Monir Hossain alias Chikna Monir, who was jailed for 12 years in a criminal case, from his Uttara house on Thursday afternoon. The Rab also seized 20 hand bombs, 84 bullets, one fake passport and Tk 1.3 lakh.

Monir was also accused of several criminal offences, including two murders. He is a cousin and second in command of Imam Hossain, one of the country's top 23 criminals, said a Rab press release.

A Rab team took Monir to Harirampur in Uttara to seize his arms and came under fire at 3:45am yesterday.

The Rab said its team returned fire and Monir was bullet-hit in 'crossfire' when he made an attempt to escape.

The Rab took Monir to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital where doctors declared him dead. There were 22 bullet wounds in his body, said hospital sources.

Monir's wife Yasmin Begum alleged the Rab took away three cellphones, one camera and Tk 1.5 lakh during the arrest.

The latest 'crossfire' death has brought to 243 the number of people killed in such incidents since June last year.