Advocate Saiful Islam Alif, a lawyer, was killed in a violent clash between law enforcement personnel and Hindu followers in the Chattogram court premises.
The protesters, supporters of religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, were demonstrating against his arrest and detention earlier that day.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former leader of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested on Monday at Dhaka Shahjalal Airport by the Detective Branch (DB) of Bangladesh Police.
The arrest was made in connection with a case filed at Kotwali Police Station, accusing him of disrespecting the Bangladesh national flag. He was brought to Chattogram that evening and held at the Chattogram Metropolitan Police intelligence office.
On Tuesday morning, Chinmoy Krishna was presented before the Metropolitan Court of Chattogram under Judge Kazi Shariful Islam. The court rejected his bail plea and ordered his transfer to jail.
Following the court’s decision, Chinmoy Krishna’s supporters, who had gathered outside the court premises, staged a protest. Tensions escalated when the protesters blocked the prison van carrying Chinmoy Krishna. Law enforcement officials, including police and BGB personnel, intervened to control the situation, but clashes ensued.
During the unrest, several individuals, including Advocate Saiful Islam Alif, were attacked. Advocate Alif sustained critical injuries and was taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMC), where he was declared dead. Seven to eight others injured in the violence were admitted to the hospital.
During the unrest, several individuals, including Advocate Saiful Islam Alif, were attacked. Advocate Alif sustained critical injuries and was taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMC), where he was declared dead. Seven to eight others injured in the violence were admitted to the hospital.
The protesters reportedly vandalized motorcycles, attacked shops, and disrupted activities in the area. Lawyers and bystanders were also targeted during the clashes.
Advocate Alif’s Background
Advocate Alif was a member of the Chattogram District Bar Association since 2018 and had recently been appointed as an assistant public prosecutor. He was also registered as a lawyer with the Bangladesh High Court. Originally from Chunati in Lohagara upazila, Alif was a graduate of the International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC).
Assistant Public Prosecutor Advocate Mohammad Enamul confirmed the incident and expressed condolences.
The Chattogram court area and other areas remain tense. Law enforcement agencies have been deployed in large numbers to maintain order. Protests have erupted among lawyers condemning the killing of their colleague. Meanwhile, supporters of Chinmoy Krishna continue to demand his release, creating a confrontational atmosphere.
Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Fazlul Quader stated that actions were being taken to identify and bring the instigators of the violence under the law.
The killing of Advocate Alif has led to protests by various groups in Chattogram, demanding accountability and ensuring safety within public institutions.
