The tragic killing of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram during protests is a glaring reminder of the brittleness of law and order in moments of societal unrest. This shocking incident, which unfolded outside the Chattogram court premises emphasises the human cost of unbridled tension and highlights systemic weakness in ensuring public safety and communal harmony.
Decisive response from Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is a vital first step. By condemning the killing, ordering an investigation and calling for calm, the management has demonstrated its commitment to justice and stability. Dr Yunus’s directive for heightened security in Chattogram’s vulnerable areas reflects the urgency of containing the consequences from this crisis. However, the immediate measure must be accompanied by a wider strategy to address the deeper issues that this tragedy has exposed.
The protests that led to the death of Advocate Alif were reportedly sparked by supporters of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who attempted to block a prison van carrying him to jail. The subsequent violence that claimed Alif’s life—a respected lawyer serving the justice system—raise questions regarding the management of open demonstrations and the role of law enforcement agencies in ensuring safety during such volatile situations.
The
management’s commitment to preserving communal
harmony must be turned into actionable
policies that prioritise
inclusivity, mutual respect and the
protection of fundamental rights
The management must ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice through a transparent and fair investigation. Answerability is necessary to honour the victim’s memory and critical to restoring public trust in the nation’s legal and security establishments.
The law enforcement agencies also need to reflect on their vigilance and response during this crisis. Managing protests in a representative society is not easy, requiring firmness and control. Satisfactory training in crowd control, non-lethal intervention techniques and de-escalation strategies must be prioritised to avert future tragedies. Furthermore, answerability mechanisms should be braced to ensure that lapses in security and judgement are promptly addressed.
Beyond the immediate response, this incident requires a national conversation regarding the values that define our society. Advocate Alif’s death is a collective loss for our country—a sobering reminder of the cost of conflicts. The management’s commitment to preserving communal harmony must be turned into actionable policies that prioritise inclusivity, mutual respect and the protection of fundamental rights.
At its core, this tragedy is an assessment of our national resilience and commitment to justice. Advocate Alif’s death must not become just another statistic; it should serve as a cry for a more united, just and peaceful Bangladesh. The management, civil society and every citizen have a role to play in ensuring that such violence becomes a thing of the past.
We know that Bangladesh stands at a crossway now. We may either allow this tragedy to deepen divides or use it as an opportunity to reaffirm our collective values of justice, harmony and respect for the rule of law. Let Advocate Saiful Islam Alif’s sacrifice inspire a fresh commitment to these main beliefs, ensuring a future where peace prevails and every life is safeguarded with dignity.
