The Department of Immigration and Passports has rejected the applications for new passports submitted by former Speaker of parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and her husband Syed Ishtiaq Hossain.
The applications were rejected as she applied for a new passport remaining hiding after a murder case was filed against her.
Sources within the department confirmed it on Sunday.
However, Ismail Hossain, Deputy Director of the Dhaka Division Passport Office, denied any development regarding their passport applications and suggested that inquiries be directed to the Department of Immigration and Passports for further information. No officials from the department were available for comment.
On November 5, a report was published in a newspaper stating that the former speaker had applied for a new passport despite being a fugitive accused.
The report also claimed that she was able to provide her fingerprints and iris scan under special arrangements for the application. Some officers at the passport office were involved in this irregularity, according to the report.
Allegations have also been raised that other leaders of the Awami League, wanted in criminal cases, have received similar facilities.
On August 22, all red passports issued to the former prime minister, speaker, ministers, MPs, and others were cancelled.
END/SZA
