Today (26 November) marks one year since the killing of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif in the Chattogram court area. On this day in 2024, tension flared in the court premises after clashes broke out between a group of followers of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das—who had been arrested earlier that day on a sedition charge—and law enforcement officers. Amid the unrest, in the afternoon, the young lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was hacked and beaten to death in the alley beside Ronggom Convention Hall, opposite to the main gate of the court. According to the allegation, a group of extremist ISKCON followers took part in the attack.
Leaders of the Chattogram District Bar Association described the incident as “unprecedented in history” and “a grave warning” for the country’s communal harmony and law and order.
Charge Sheet Accepted; Case Progress Now at ‘P&A’ Stage
On 25 August, Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate SM Alauddin accepted the charge sheet submitted by the police.
Of the 39 accused, 21 have been arrested and 18 remain fugitives.
The case is currently progressing through the ‘P&A’ (Proclaimed and Arrested) process. Once a court declares an accused a fugitive, a warrant for arrest is issued. After that, a notice is published in newspapers as required by law. Once this process is completed, the case will move on to trial. The next hearing is scheduled for 1 December.
39 Accused Named in Charge Sheet
The charge sheet lists the following individuals: Chandan Das Methor, Ripon Das, Rajib Bhattacharjee, Shubho Kanti Das, Aman Das, Bunja, Ranab, Bidhan, Bikash, Romit Prokash Das, Rumit Das, Nayon Das, Omkar Das, Bishal, Lala Das, Samir, Sohel Das, Shib Kumar, Biglal, Porash, Ganesh, Om Das, Popi, Ajay, Devi Charan, Deb, Joy, Lala Methor, Durlav Das, Sumit Das, Sonu Das, Soku Das, Vajan, Ashiq, Shahit, Shiba Das and Dip Das.
Eighteen of the charge-sheeted accused have remained fugitives so far.
Background: Arrest, Protest, Clashes — and Then the Killing
On the morning of 26 November last year, the Detective Branch arrested Chinmoy Krishna Das from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A sedition case warrant had been lodged against him at Kotwali Police Station. After the court ordered him to be sent to prison, ISKCON followers started protesting in the afternoon, leading to clashes.
According to the case documents, the agitated protesters vandalised several establishments, including a mosque and shops, in the court area.
During this time, Advocate Alif was attacked and killed in the alley beside Ronggom Convention Hall. His father Jamal Uddin filed a murder case that night, naming 31 individuals as accused.
Demand for Transfer to Speedy Trial Tribunal
The state prosecution and Alif’s family have demanded that the case be transferred to a Speedy Trial Tribunal under the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Assistant Public Prosecutor Md Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury said, “This case is extremely important. To uphold communal harmony, law and order, and public confidence in the justice system nationwide, a quick trial is essential.”
Jamal Uddin, the plaintiff and father of the deceased lawyer, said, “The charge sheet has been submitted against those involved in the killing of my son. We want the fugitives arrested quickly. A year has passed, yet the trial has not started. We strongly urge the government to ensure that the trial begin and end swiftly, and the case transferred to the Speedy Trial Tribunal.”
President of the Chattogram District Bar Association, Advocate Abdus Sattar, said that today at 10am, a human chain would be held in front of the Bar association’ building demanding a speedy trial. At 3pm, a memorial meeting and prayer session will be held in the association’s auditorium.
