Dhaka, March 1 -- Two people have been beaten to death by a mob during an attempt to rob a freight ship on the Kirtonasha River in Shariatpur.

At least five others were injured by gunfire and hand bombs thrown by the robbers during the incident, which unfolded around 11:30pm on Friday, according to Shariatpur Superintendent of Police Nazrul Islam.

Police have yet to identify the dead men. Among those injured by the robbers' gunfire are 35-year-old Tota Mia, 30-year-old Masum Mia, 19-year-old Alamin, idenfitified by a single name.

Two of the injured are in critical condition and have been transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while the others are receiving treatment at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital.

A group of robbers attempted to...