Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Nov 26, 2025 (BSS) - Family members and colleagues of slain lawyer Advocate Saiful Islam Alif have expressed deep concern over the slow progress of the investigation and trial into his murder, allegedly carried out by supporters of detained ISKON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmmachari one year ago near the Chattogram Court building.

Marking the first anniversary of the killing, the Chattogram District Bar Association (CDBA) formed a human chain on the court premises this morning, demanding that the case be transferred to a Speedy Trial Tribunal and that all fugitive accused be arrested immediately.

Chinmoy was detained by the Detective Branch at Dhaka Airport on November 25 last year in a sedition case filed with Kotwali Police Station. The following day, a Chattogram court sent him to jail and rejected his bail plea, sparking violent protests by his followers. The unrest escalated into vandalism inside courtrooms and attacks on lawyers' vehicles.

As police tried to disperse the mob, clashes erupted around the court area. During the chaos, a group of assailants armed with sharp weapons brutally attacked and killed Advocate Alif near the court premises.

Alif's father later filed a case on November 29 naming 31 individuals and accusing 10-15 unidentified people, all reportedly supporters of Chinmoy. Although Chinmoy was not initially named in the murder FIR, the investigating officer sought the court's permission to show him arrested in the case, citing evidence of his alleged involvement and instigation. The court granted the request.

Police submitted a charge sheet on July 1, 2025, accusing 38 individuals, with Chinmoy listed as the prime accused. As the court rejected a proposal to drop one name included in the original FIR, the total number of accused stands at 39.

According to Assistant Public Prosecutor Advocate Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury, 21 of the 39 charge-sheeted accused are currently in custody, while 18 remain absconding. The court has fixed December 1 as the next hearing date.

Advocate Raihan emphasized the need to transfer the case to a Speedy Trial Tribunal to ensure swift justice and urged law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to arrest the fugitives.

"We will never get our beloved Alif back, but the least we expect is justice," said Jamal Uddin, father of the deceased, expressing frustration over the prolonged delay in the legal process.

Later in the afternoon, the CDBA held a commemoration meeting and Doa Mahfil at its auditorium to observe Alif's first death anniversary.

CDBA President Advocate Abdus Satter said that the brutal killing of a lawyer poses a direct challenge to the rule of law, the judiciary, and the legal community. He demanded the immediate arrest of all perpetrators and urgent action to accelerate the trial.

CDBA General Secretary Advocate Hasan Ali Chowdhury stressed that timely justice is essential for a civilized society. "Ensuring a swift trial in Alif's murder case is crucial, as lawyers play a vital role in establishing justice. Any delay will erode public confidence in the legal system," he warned.