The government is set to establish seven Anti-Terrorism Special Tribunals in seven divisions as fast track courts for quick disposal of cases involving terrorism and militancy, officials said here on Sunday.
“The law ministry has created posts of seven judges to be appointed in seven tribunals . . . we have already obtained required approvals from the public administration and finance ministries for the initiative,” a spokesman of the ministry told BSS.
He added initiatives were underway to set up the first two tribunals in Dhaka and Chittagong and judges of these two fast track courts were expected to be appointed “soon” along with 10 other related officials and staff.
Officials familiar with the process said finance division through a letter on November 24, 2015, approved 12 posts for the two tribunals in Dhaka and Chittagong including two judges.
The other positions include typists cum computer operator, bench assistant, and driver.
Procurement of two cars, equal number of computer, photocopier machine and fax has also got the approval through the same letter.
In a subsequent development nearly 12 months later, the finance division two months ago approved appointment of 30 posts for five tribunals in Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet and Rangpur. Of these five are of judges.
Law minister Anisul Huq earlier this week said his office was seriously carrying forward the process for installing the special tribunals to ease the backlog of cases.
“But it is taking time as two other ministries have also a stake in the process while the secretary committee will have to give their approval . . . only then the appointments could be made,” Huq added.
