We won’t represent accused of Alif's murder but outsiders can: Ctg bar assoc

The Chattogram District Bar Association has announced that there are no restrictions on lawyers outside the bar or court-appointed attorneys representing the accused in the murder of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif. 

"We have [however] urged our members not to take up the case as it would go against the memory of our colleague Alif," President of the association Advocate Nazim Uddin Chowdhury told a press conference today. 

"However, we have no objection if lawyers from outside Chattogram or court-appointed attorneys defend the accused," he added.

The announcement comes in the wake of Alif's brutal killing on 26 November within the Chattogram court premises, allegedly by followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson of Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote. 

The incident, which occurred during violent clashes between Chinmoy's supporters and law enforcement, sparked national outrage. 

Alif was reportedly hacked and beaten to death by a mob, an act that was captured in shocking video footage.

The killing led to widespread protests, including work stoppages by lawyers, rallies, and demands for swift justice. 

Alif's family and local lawyers filed multiple cases against Chinmoy and his supporters, accusing them of murder, vandalism, and inciting violence.

Fear engulfing lawyers and the bar's response

The legal proceedings seemed to have created a climate of fear among some lawyers as nearly 70 lawyers, including Chinmoy's defense attorney Advocate Subhash Sharman, have been accused in cases related to the 26 November clashes. 

Many of them have reportedly avoided attending court, fearing arrest or harassment.

Responding to the matter, Advocate Nazim said, "We have not received any formal complaints about lawyers being threatened or prevented from attending court. Those avoiding court may be doing so for personal reasons."

While the bar association stands firm in its decision to abstain from representing the accused, it stressed that this does not compromise the accused's right to a fair trial. 

"In murder cases, the court can appoint a defense attorney if needed," he said. 

"We have simply requested our members not to argue for the accused out of respect for Alif."

General Secretary of the bar Advocate Mohammad Ashraf Hossain Chowdhury said, "We demand exemplary punishment for those responsible for this barbaric act." 

Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on 25 November on charges of sedition. His arrest triggered violent protests by his supporters, leading to clashes with law enforcement at Chattogram Court premises. Multiple cases have since been filed, naming hundreds of individuals in connection with the violence and vandalism.