Dhaka Seeks Justice for Bangladeshi Students Murdered in Florida

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday called for a thorough US investigation into the "brutal killings" of two Bangladeshi doctoral students at the University of South Florida (USF).

The victims, identified as Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27, were reported missing on April 16. The State Minister confirmed that the government is in close contact with the FBI, the US State Department, and the Bangladesh Mission in Washington to ensure justice and the swift repatriation of the remains.

The Investigation and Arrest

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies have charged 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. Abugharbieh was Limon’s off-campus roommate.

The grim discovery of Limon’s remains was made Friday on the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa. While Bristy remains officially missing, authorities filed murder charges against Abugharbieh based on evidence presented to the State Attorney’s office.

The suspect was arrested Friday following a tense standoff at his family home. He is currently being held without bond, with a court hearing scheduled for April 28. Records show Abugharbieh, a former USF student, has a history of prior arrests for battery and burglary.

Support for the Families

"We have spoken to both families and will provide all possible cooperation," Shama Obaed told reporters at the Ministry.

University authorities confirmed that both students had health insurance covering the repatriation of remains. The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare is also assisting the families.

Limon was a Geography and Environmental Science student who joined USF in 2024. Bristy, a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering and a graduate of Noakhali Science and Technology University, joined in 2025. The two were reportedly a couple planning to marry.