Process to reconstitute ICT-1 started

The government has initiated a process to reconstitute the International Crimes Tribunal-1 through appointing its chairman and a member.

Justice Md Shahinur Islam, a High Court judge, who is now a member of the ICT-1, will be appointed as the tribunal's chairman and retired district judge Abu Ahmed Jomader as its member, Law Minister Anisul Huq told The Daily Star.

He said his ministry yesterday sent the relevant file with the proposal to the Prime Minister's Office for forwarding it to the president's office.

When Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gives her consent, the president will give the appointment and then the law ministry will issue a gazette notification in this regard, the minister said. All the process will be completed after the premier returns from the USA.

The tribunal reached an impasse since July 13 when its chairman Justice Anwarul Haque passed away.

On September 19, the government appointed Justice Amir Hossain, a HC judge, as a member of the ICT-1. He replaced Justice Md Shohrowardi.