Chattogram lawyers went on a two-day strike on Wednesday in response to the killing of Saiful Islam Alif, a fellow lawyer, during a violent confrontation involving police, lawyers and supporters of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former leader of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Court proceedings were halted as lawyers assembled to demand swift action against those responsible for the murder. Witnesses reported that thousands participated in a namaz-e-janaza for the victim, held on the court premises at 10:00 AM and later at Jamiatul Falah National Mosque at 11:30 AM.
A protest rally followed, where lawyers expressed anger and called for justice for Saiful Islam. Prominent figures, including Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain and representatives from various political and social organizations, attended the rally to show solidarity.
During the rally, speakers demanded a ban on ISKCON, labeling it as a fundamentalist organization and accusing it of instigating unrest. Protesters warned of intensified demonstrations if their demands were not addressed.
The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday after the court denied bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das in a sedition case. Eyewitnesses reported that Saiful Islam was attacked and fatally injured by unidentified assailants near the court premises amidst the chaos.
The incident has ignited widespread outrage among the legal community, with calls for justice and stricter measures to prevent such violence in the future.
