The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh has appointed lawyer Ameer Hossain as the state-appointed counsel to represent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in two cases related to enforced disappearances and alleged crimes against humanity during the Awami League government. The appointment was made by a two-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, with Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as the other member. Previously, senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna had been appointed to the same position on November 23 but later withdrew, citing Hasina’s lack of confidence in the tribunal. The tribunal expressed strong dissatisfaction over Panna’s absence and social media statement, prompting him to appear and offer an unconditional apology. Following his apology, the tribunal relieved him of his duties and appointed Ameer Hossain as the new state counsel. Hossain had earlier served as a state-appointed lawyer in another case against Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.