State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday 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 said, describing the double murder as deeply unfortunate.
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 told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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
University of South Florida authorities have informed that both students had health insurance through their student status that includes repatriation coverage.
The University of South Florida is opening a case, as per the instructions of the insurance company’s contact, said Golam Mortoza, Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, on Sunday.
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.