Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Bangladesh on Sunday sought justice over the killing of two Bangladeshi students in Florida, with state minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam saying Dhaka wanted the US to investigate the case and bring those responsible to book.
“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 foreign ministry.
She said once the autopsy and legal formalities were completed, Zamil Limon’s remains would be repatriated to Bangladesh as soon as possible. She added that the ministry of expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment was also assisting and said, “We are maintaining close communication with all stakeholders in the United States.”
University of South Florida authorities said both students had health insurance through their student status that included repatriation coverage. Golam Mortoza, minister (press) at the Bangladesh embassy in Washington, said the university was opening a case as per instructions from the insurance company’s contact.
He said the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office had conveyed condolences over the deaths of the two University of South Florida students in Tampa and told the Bangladesh mission it would coordinate next steps directly with the next of kin. Authorities said they could not disclose details of evidence as the matter remained 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 and is facing multiple charges, with more likely as the investigation continues. Investigators said it was an isolated off-campus incident, the suspect acted alone, and there was no continuing threat to the university community.
Zamil had been studying Geography and Environmental Science and Policy at USF since fall 2024, while Nahida had been studying Chemical Engineering since fall 2025.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy. He appeared in court in Tampa on Saturday and was ordered to be held without bond. A hearing is scheduled for April 28, AP reported.
Abugharbieh, a native-born US citizen, was initially detained on Friday at his family’s 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 to the Hillsborough County public defender’s office by email and phone.