Dhaka - An Islamist militant undergoing trial on terrorism charges in a special court in Bangladesh claimed the banned Jamiatul Mujahideen Islamic group is reorganizing after several of its leaders were hanged two years ago, judicial officials said Thursday.

Jawaid Iqbal, a former regional commander of the mujahideen, also said a new leader, Abu Qaued Talim, had taken over the group which was thrown into disarray after the execution of its two founders. Talim who is known to be a hardcore cleric.

Earlier Iqbal told judge Shafiqul Karim of the special court in the southern port of Chittagong that he felt no remorse over his attempt at blowing up the high security court complex in the city.

Although the court buildings were barely touched by the bomb, the explosion left three people, including a police guard, dead.

Karim handed down life term to Iqbal and one of his absconding accomplices for their role in the Nov 2005 bomb attack.

Shaekh Abdur Rahman and Bangla Bhai who founded the militant group also called the JMB walked to the gallows after their conviction on charges of killing two judges in the southern Jhalakati district.

Hundreds of JMB militants were rounded up by police following the orchestrated bomb attacks in 60 locations in the country in August 2005. (dpa)