Testimony begins in lawyer Alif murder case

Testimony in the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif began today (2 February) at the Chattogram Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal.

Proceedings started at 11am at the court of Judge Md Jahidul Haque.

For security reasons, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was connected to the court proceedings virtually. His presence was ensured through an LED monitor and audio system installed in the courtroom.

Of the total 39 accused in the case, 23 are currently in jail. The remaining 16 accused are still absconding.

For the hearing, apart from Chinmoy Krishna, the other 22 accused who are in custody were produced before the court in person under tight security.

As the first witness, Jamal Uddin, the father of the deceased Alif and the complainant in the case, appeared before the court and gave his testimony.

After the testimony, Chinmoy Krishna's lawyer, Advocate Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee, sought time to conduct cross-examination. The court allowed the application and fixed the next date of hearing.

Speaking to the media, the prosecution lawyer, Advocate Md Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury, said that people across the country are waiting for the swift conclusion of justice in this brutal murder.

"With the recording of the complainant's testimony today, the trial process has effectively begun. However, the defence is attempting to delay the trial by seeking time," Raihanul alleged.

The investigating officer in the case has submitted a list of 50 witnesses in the charge sheet.

The list of witnesses includes general citizens who were eyewitnesses to the incident, the magistrate who recorded statements, the doctor who conducted the post-mortem, those who seized evidence, and relevant members of the law enforcement agencies.

State lawyers have applied for summons to be issued to present all of them before the court in phases.

The murder took place on 26 November 2024, following the rejection of bail for Chinmoy Krishna in a sedition case. After the bail denial, violence broke out inside the Chattogram court premises, with vandalism reported.

During the unrest, lawyer Saiful Islam was attacked on Rangam Convention Hall Road under Kotwali Police Station. According to case documents, he was hacked and beaten to death by followers of Chinmoy Das using sticks, bricks, machetes, and sharp weapons.

The killing sparked widespread outrage across the country.

Following the incident, the victim's father filed a murder case with Kotwali Police Station, naming 31 accused and 10-15 unidentified persons.