Bangladesh mission updated as investigation continues into killing of two Bangladeshi students
Authorities at the University of South Florida (USF) have said both Bangladeshi students killed in Tampa, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, had health insurance through their student status that includes repatriation coverage.
The university is opening a case following instructions from the insurance company’s contact, said Golam Mortoza, press minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, today.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has conveyed condolences over the deaths and said it will coordinate next steps directly with the victims’ next of kin, he added.
The Bangladesh mission has been advised to remain in contact with the families regarding any needs.
Officials said they could not disclose details about evidence as the case remains under active investigation.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments and share updates as appropriate,” said USF President Moez Limayem.
A suspect is in custody in connection with the case and is facing multiple charges, with more likely as the investigation progresses.
Investigators said the incident was isolated, occurred off campus, and that the suspect acted alone, posing no ongoing threat to the university community.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon in the deaths of the two students.
He appeared in court in Tampa yesterday and was ordered to be held without bond. A hearing is scheduled for April 28, according to AP.
Abugharbieh, a US citizen, was initially detained 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. Attempts to reach the public defender’s office in Hillsborough County for comment were not immediately successful.
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.
