Testimony in the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif began on Monday at the Chattogram Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal, presided over by Judge Md Zahidul Haque. During the hearing, all accused except Chandan Kumar Dhar alias Chinmoy Krishna Das, who remains in prison, were produced before the court under tight security. The victim’s father and plaintiff, Jamal Uddin, gave his statement as the first witness, while accused Chinmoy Krishna Das joined the proceedings virtually.

According to the plaintiff’s counsel, Advocate Md Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury, the trial gained momentum with the plaintiff’s testimony, though the defense repeatedly sought adjournments to delay proceedings. The court set the next hearing for February 18 after the defense requested time for cross-examination. The investigating officer has reportedly summoned around 50 witnesses in the case.

Additional police were deployed around the court premises during the hearing to ensure security.