State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said Bangladesh has urged 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, reports UNB.
“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 that 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 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 expressed condolences over the tragic incident involving the two Bangladeshi students of the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.
They also said they will coordinate next steps directly with the next of kin and advised the Bangladesh Mission to speak with the families regarding any needs.
At this stage, authorities said they are not able to disclose details of the evidence as the case 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 currently in custody in connection with the case.
He is facing multiple charges, with additional charges possible as the investigation continues.
Investigators have said the incident is isolated, occurred off campus, and the suspect acted alone, with no ongoing threat to the university community.
Zamil had been studying Geography and Environmental Science and Policy at USF since fall 2024, while Nahida had been enrolled in Chemical Engineering since fall 2025.
Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon in connection with the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
He was produced in court in Tampa on Saturday and ordered to be held without bond. A further hearing has been scheduled for April 28, according to AP reports.
Abugharbieh, a U.S.-born citizen, was initially arrested on Friday at his family home on preliminary charges including 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.
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