A man was killed and another seriously injured in an alleged gunfight during a Rapid Action Battalion's anti-drug drive in Barishal yesterday evening.

The incident occurred in Mollapara of Ratnapur union in Agailjhara upazila around 6:00pm, Rab said.

The dead, Siam Molla, 18, a college student, hailed from Baheer Hat in Uzirpur upazila. The injured, Rakib Molla, 17, an SSC examinee from the same area, was admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal, according to family sources.

 Agailjhara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Oliul Islam said Rab members in plainclothes were on an anti-drug operation in the area when they came under attack from some drug dealers. At that, Rab personnel opened fire, injuring the two.

The two were first taken to Gouranadi Upazila Health Complex, where Siam was declared dead upon arrival.

Rakib, who suffered wounds to his abdomen, was later shifted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, where his condition was critical, his younger brother Raihan Molla said, citing doctors.

Akram Hossain, assistant surgeon at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, confirmed that Rakib was brought to the emergency unit with a critical injury.

"We haven't yet begun surgery. We cannot confirm if it's a bullet wound until we operate, but his condition is serious," he said around 11:00pm yesterday.

Rab-8 Deputy Commander Major Mahmudul Ahsan confirmed the anti-drug operation and the subsequent gunfire, and said the force came under attack during the raid.

"One suspect was killed and another injured during the gunfight. We are still conducting an operation in the area and cannot provide further details," he said.