Chattogram court prepares to begin trial proceedings over murder of lawyer Alif

Lawyers have demanded the case be transferred to a speedy trial tribunal, but the government has yet to act

Following the completion of all legal procedures, the murder case of Chattogram lawyer Saiful Islam Alif is now ready to be sent to the trial court.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Md Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury confirmed the development on Monday.

“The case is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday. It will be formally transferred from the magistrate court to the Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judges’ Court.”

He added that judicial proceedings will then commence in the Metropolitan Sessions Judges’ Court or any other court designated by it.

Of the 39 suspects named in the chargesheet, 17 remain on the run. Raihanul said, “Arrest warrants, proclamation and bailable orders have been issued against the absconding suspects, and notices have been published in newspapers. All legal steps against the fugitives have been completed.”

On Nov 26, leaders and members of the Chattogram District Lawyers’ Association held a human chain and rally outside the court, demanding the immediate arrest of the fugitives and a speedy trial. Despite readiness for trial, no steps have yet been taken to transfer the case to a speedy trial tribunal, raising concern among lawyers.

Raihanul said, “This brutal killing following the mass uprising shook the entire country. Yet, despite its sensitivity and public outrage, no clear directive has been issued by the government regarding a transfer to a speedy trial tribunal.

“Prolonged ordinary trial procedures could impede justice. We strongly demand the case be transferred immediately to a speedy trial tribunal to ensure the killers face the maximum punishment and justice is served.”

The incident occurred on Nov 26, 2024, after supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari protested in court following the rejection of his bail in a sedition case. Police dispersed the demonstration with stun grenades after two and a half hours, and during the resulting commotion on Court Road near Rangam Convention Hall, Alif was attacked, beaten, and fatally stabbed.

Alif’s father, Jamal Uddin, filed the case on Nov 29, 2024, with Kotwali Police, naming 31 individuals and 15–16 unknown persons. All suspects resided in Bandel Road Shebok Colony near Rangam Convention Hall.

After investigations, Assistant Commissioner Mahfuzur Rahman of Chattogram Metropolitan Police submitted a chargesheet on Jul 1, naming 38 suspects, with Chinmoy Das as the prime suspect.

On Aug 25, the court accepted the chargesheet in the presence of the complainant, now listing 39 suspects.