A significant development has taken place in the high-profile murder case of Chattogram District Bar Association member Advocate Saiful Islam Alif. On Monday (January 19), Judge Md. Zahidul Haque of the Chattogram Speedy Trial Tribunal formally framed charges against 39 accused, including Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Sanatani Jagaran Jote.

During the charge-framing hearing, 23 accused—including Chinmoy Krishna Das—were present in court. Legal representatives appeared on behalf of the absconding 16 accused, while arrangements were made for legal aid counsel for those currently in jail. The tribunal set February 2 as the next date for further proceedings.

Chattogram District Bar Association President Advocate Abdus Sattar confirmed that charges have officially been framed, marking the formal start of the trial. Police sources stated that 16 accused are still on the run.

The case stems from an incident on November 26, 2024, when violent clashes erupted in the Chattogram court premises over the bail hearing of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Advocate Saiful Islam Alif was shot dead during the unrest. Following the incident, Alif’s father, Jamal Uddin, filed a murder case at Kotwali Police Station, initially naming 31 accused.

After further investigation, the police submitted a charge sheet on June 1, 2025, implicating 39 individuals, including Chinmoy Krishna Das. The court accepted the charge sheet earlier and proceeded with formal charge framing on Monday. The case has drawn nationwide attention, particularly within legal and political circles.