Prosecutors get coordinator

In a bid to bring further momentum in the war crimes trial, the government yesterday appointed a chief coordinator for the prosecution team.
The law ministry appointed MK Rahman, additional attorney general at the Supreme Court, to the post to carry out the additional duty, said Law Minister Shafique Ahmed.
“MK Rahman will supervise the entire prosecution team as to whether the cases [at the two international crimes tribunals] are being conducted properly [by the prosecution].”
Asked if the appointment comes as a result of the prosecution's underperformance, the minister said, “This is to improve [the team] and to bring further momentum in the trial.”
A senior prosecutor said, “I think, there was a lack of coordination in the prosecution team. It's a good decision. It would be better if the decision came earlier.”
The 27-member prosecution team is dealing 13 war crimes cases at the two tribunals, trying those who allegedly committed crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971. Eight cases are now at trial stage and five others at pre-trial stage.
On March 25, 2010, the government announced formation of the first tribunal. The second tribunal was created on March 22 last year for quick disposal of the cases.