Two Missing Bangladeshi PhD Students Found Dead in Florida

Two Bangladeshi doctoral students from the University of South Florida, who had been missing for several days, have been found dead in a case that has shocked communities both in the United States and Bangladesh.

Authorities confirmed that the body of Jamil Limon was recovered on April 24 from the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa. He was a PhD candidate in the Department of Geography, Environment and Policy.

The death of Nahida Sultana Brishti was confirmed by her family on April 25, although law enforcement had not officially confirmed the recovery of her body at the time of reporting. She was pursuing doctoral research in Chemical Engineering.

Both students had been missing since April 17 after being reported missing by a family friend. Police said they were last seen near the university campus a day earlier.

A suspect, Hisham Saleh Abugharbeh, 26, a former student and roommate of Limon, has been arrested in connection with the case. He is facing multiple charges, including battery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and unlawfully moving a dead body.

According to authorities, the suspect initially cooperated with investigators but later stopped. He was eventually arrested after barricading himself inside a residence, prompting a SWAT team response before surrendering.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister described the case as “deeply disturbing” and said it has had a significant impact on the community.

An autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause of Limon’s death, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Family members said Limon had spoken highly of Brishti and had even discussed the possibility of marriage. They described him as a kind and simple person who always carried a smile.