The Chattogram Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal has rejected for the sixth time a time extension request by the defense lawyer of accused Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. During the May 20 hearing, defense counsel Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya sought more time to cross-examine the plaintiff, citing illness. The court found the request inconsistent with standard court practice and denied it. The court then concluded the testimony of the first prosecution witness, Alif’s father Jamal Uddin, and ordered summons for the next witness. The next hearing is scheduled for June 24.

According to court sources, since the charge was framed on January 19, 2026, the defense has sought time on six occasions between February 2 and May 20. The plaintiff’s lawyer and assistant public prosecutor Md. Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury said the elderly and ailing Jamal Uddin has attended every hearing from Lohagara but expressed frustration over repeated delays.

During the hearing, Chinmoy Krishna Das appeared virtually from prison and submitted applications for bail, medical treatment, and visitation, all of which were rejected due to his lawyer’s absence.