A Dhaka court on Tuesday rejected a petition by model Meghna Alam seeking the return of her seized passport in an ongoing fraud and extortion case.

Metropolitan Magistrate Azharul Islam issued the order after the investigating officer failed to submit the forensic report on Meghna’s confiscated mobile phone and laptop. The court set a new date for submission of the report.

During the hearing, Meghna’s lawyers argued that as an international leadership trainer, she frequently travels abroad for professional engagements and that returning her passport would not hamper the investigation.

The prosecution opposed the plea, citing the critical stage of the investigation and the risk that she might flee the country.

The court rejected the application and reiterated its earlier directive for forensic analysis of the seized digital devices to check for any objectionable or anti-state materials.