Lawyer Alif murder: Court sets 9 March for next hearing
The tribunal passed the order after hearing arguments from all parties. Although today had been fixed for the hearing, the court deferred further proceedings to the new date, according to court sources.
The Chattogram Speedy Trial Tribunal today (18 February) set 9 March as the next date for hearing in the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif.
The tribunal passed the order after hearing arguments from all parties. Although today had been fixed for the hearing, the court deferred further proceedings to the new date, according to court sources.
During the day's proceedings, the plaintiff and father of the deceased, Jamal Uddin, faced cross-examination by the defence. At one stage, he felt unwell and, with the court's permission, completed the questioning while seated.
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The defence was scheduled to cross-examine on behalf of one of the main accused, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, the expelled Iskcon leader and spokesperson for Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha.
However, his counsel sought more time, and the court granted the request. Chinmoy was presented before the court virtually from jail through an audio-visual link displayed on an LED monitor.
Meanwhile, defence counsel for two other accused, Durlav Das and Rumit Das, completed their cross-examination. Another accused, Rajib Bhattacharyya, who had given a confessional statement, conducted the cross-examination himself without legal representation.
After the hearing, Assistant Public Prosecutor Md Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that repeated time petitions by the defence were delaying the trial despite public expectations for swift justice.
He said it was unfortunate that the elderly father, aged 76 and in ill health, had to stand in court seeking justice while proceedings were being prolonged.
Security was tightened around the court premises, considering law and order concerns. Other accused in the case were produced physically before the court.
The formal testimony phase of the trial began on 2 February with the plaintiff's deposition. According to the charge sheet submitted by the investigating officer, a total of 50 witnesses – including eyewitnesses, a magistrate and medical professionals – are listed.
On 26 November 2024, tension had earlier gripped the Chattogram court area after bail was denied to Chinmoy Das. His supporters reportedly surrounded a prison van, prompting police and BGB to use batons and sound grenades.
During the unrest, lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was hacked and beaten to death.
