8 arrested over lawyer murder in Chittagong, 14 identified

Police have identified 14 individuals in connection with the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chittagong.

Besides, eight suspects have been arrested following a review of video footage.  

The arrestees have been identified as Rajib Bhattacharya, Rumit Das, Sumit Das, Nayan Das, Gagan Das, Vishal Das, Aman Das, and Manu Methor.  

The remaining suspects identified in the footage are Bikash Das,(1), Arjun Das, Bikash Das (2), Shuvo Kanti Das, a fourth-semester law student at BGC Trust University, Krishna Das, an employee of Government Haji Muhammad Mohsin College and Bunja Methor.

Following the incident, BGC Trust University authorities have suspended its student Shuvo Kanti Das.  

Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Deputy Commissioner Roish Uddin said: “Eight individuals involved in the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif have been arrested based on video footage. They will face charges in the murder case. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects.”  

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kazi Md Tarek Aziz said that the arrests were made using video footage and photographs from the protests and clashes linked to the murder.  

He added: “During a raid on Tuesday night, 30 individuals were detained in connection with an attack on police. After verification, three were released, and the rest were sent to jail through the court. Additionally, eight new suspects linked to Alif’s murder were detained during raids on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.”

ADC Aziz further said that while no case has been filed yet, the process is underway. The case will be registered once the victim’s family formally approaches the police station.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong District Bar Association observed a strike for the second consecutive day on Thursday, demanding justice for Saiful Islam Alif. Courtroom activities remained suspended, with no judges presiding over cases. A similar strike was observed on Wednesday.

Around 1:00pm, a procession of lawyers moved through various roads within the court premises, demanding a ban on ISKCON for its alleged involvement in Alif’s murder. The lawyers also raised slogans accusing the organization of extremist activities.