The trial process of Chattogram lawyer Advocate Saiful Islam Alif murder case formally began on Wednesday, but the framing of charges has been deferred to January 19.
Earlier, on January 14 afternoon, 22 arrested accused were produced before the court under tight security. After taking the bench, the judge individually called out the names of the accused to confirm their presence.
The court said that as this was the initial hearing, time was taken to review the case records. It was decided that charge framing would take place on January 19 following a hearing involving both the prosecution and the defence, provided all accused remain present.
Assistant Public Prosecutor of Chattogram court, Advocate Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury, said that during the hearing several accused, with the court’s permission, made statements seeking legal representation and security arrangements. The court assured that all legal measures would be taken to ensure the accused have access to lawyers and necessary protection.
It also noted that state-appointed defence counsel could be arranged if required.
The judge further clarified that at this stage the court is not treating anyone as a final accused. All individuals are currently considered general suspects, and only those against whom charges are proven will be formally recognised as accused in the trial.
According to Rab and case documents, clashes broke out in the Chattogram court premises on November 26, 2024, centring on bail proceedings for Chinmoy Krishna Das. During the violence, lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was beaten and hacked to death. Following the incident, Alif’s father, Jamal Uddin, filed a murder case with Kotwali Police Station, naming 31 individuals in the complaint.
On June 1, 2025, the investigating officer, then Assistant Police Commissioner of Kotwali Zone Mahfuzur Rahman, submitted the charge sheet to the court. Later, on August 25, the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court of SM Alauddin Mahmud accepted the charge sheet against a total of 39 accused after a hearing on its admissibility.
During the investigation, police sought discharge for three named accused—Gagan Das, Bishal Das and Rajkapur Methor—after failing to find evidence of their involvement. At the same time, 10 more individuals, including Chinmoy Krishna Das, were added to the case, increasing the total number of accused.
