Bangladesh has urged the United States to ensure the safety and security of Bangladeshi citizens and students staying there, following the killing of two Bangladeshi students.
“The Embassy is in regular contact with the US Department of State and has requested that the safety of Bangladeshi students and Bangladeshis living in the United States be ensured,” the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington said on Sunday.
The Embassy is also maintaining communication with mainstream media outlets in the United States.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) is also in close contact with relevant US agencies regarding the matter.
The government has expressed deep condolences over the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice through close cooperation with all concerned authorities.
Immediately after receiving reports that two Bangladeshi students - Zamil Ahmed Limon and Nahida Sultana Bristy, both enrolled at the University of South Florida - had gone missing, the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Bangladesh Consulate General in Miami established continuous contact with US authorities, university officials, and investigative agencies.
Due to current constraints in transporting the body from Tampa, Florida via Dubai, alternative arrangements are being actively explored, the MoFA said.
At the same time, the Embassy is maintaining regular contact with US authorities to gather further information regarding Nahida Sultana Bristy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, along with the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Consulate General in Miami, remains in constant communication with the bereaved families.
Dhaka Seeks Justice
Earlier, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh wants the United States to investigate the brutal killings of two Bangladeshi students - Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy - and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“We demand a prompt and thorough investigation into the matter so that those involved are identified and brought to justice,” she told reporters at the Ministry on Sunday, describing the double murder as deeply unfortunate.
Bangladesh seeks justice over brutal killings of 2 students in US
The State Minister said she personally spoke on Saturday with Nahida’s brother and Limon’s father.
“We are in contact with all the relevant agencies including the Bangladesh Mission in Washington, the US Department of State, and the FBI. We have spoken to both families and will provide all possible cooperation from our side,” she said.
Shama Obaed said once the autopsy and necessary legal procedures are completed, Limon’s remains will be repatriated to Bangladesh as soon as possible.
The State Minister also said that the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment is assisting in the matter.
“We are maintaining close communication with all stakeholders in the United States,” she added
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office conveyed its sincere condolences over the tragic incident involving the two Bangladeshi students of the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, he said.
They also informed that they will coordinate the next steps in this regard directly with the next of kin and advised the Bangladesh Mission to speak with the families about any needs they may have.
At this time, they are not able to disclose any information regarding the evidence collected as this remains an active criminal investigation.
“We will continue to closely monitor the latest developments and share updates as appropriate,” said Moez Limayem.
A suspect is in custody in connection with the case.
He is facing multiple charges, and additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.
Investigators say this is an isolated incident that occurred off campus; the suspect acted alone, and there is no ongoing threat to the safety of the university community.
Zamil had attended USF since fall 2024 to study Geography and Environmental Science and Policy, and Nahida had attended USF since fall 2025 to study Chemical Engineering.
Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is facing two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, students at USF, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
He made an initial court appearance on Saturday in Tampa, where he was ordered to be held without bond. A hearing is set for April 28, reports AP.
Abugharbieh, a native-born U.S. citizen, was initially taken into custody on Friday at his family’s home on preliminary charges that include unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery.
Online court records do not list an attorney for him. Messages were sent via email and phone to the public defender’s office in Hillsborough County.