NCP lawyers’ alliance seeks swift trial for murder of Advocate Alif

The National Lawyers' Alliance, the professional wing of the National Citizen's Party (NCP), has called for a swift trial in the murder case of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif, who was killed by a mob gathered outside a court in Chattogram demanding the release of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.

In a statement issued today (26 November), the organisation urged authorities to arrest the 17 accused who are still on the run so the trial can begin without further delay. The court has already accepted a charge sheet against 39 individuals, of whom 21 have been detained.

The Alliance said the killing of Advocate Alif was carried out by groups attempting to intimidate the public, but their effort 'has ultimately failed.'

"Those aligned with fascist and anti-state elements murdered Advocate Alif to spread fear, yet his sacrifice has only deepened the patriotic resolve of the nation," the statement read.

Advocate Alif was killed on 26 November 2024 in Chattogram, reportedly by a group rallying for the release of an ISKCON leader. He hailed from the Chunti area of Lohagara upazila and had built a promising legal career. After completing his Dakhil from Adhunagar Islamia Kamil Madrasa and HSC from Chittagong College, he pursued LLB and LLM at the International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC). He began practising at the Chittagong Court in 2018 and was enrolled as a High Court advocate in 2023.