Brishty’s family in shock over her killing in US

A pall of grief has fallen over the ancestral home of Nahida Sultana Bristy in Madaripur after reports emerged that the Bangladeshi doctoral student was killed in the United States.

Relatives and local residents gathered at her family home in Char Gobindapur of Khoajpur Union under Madaripur Sadar upazila on Saturday, shortly after news of the incident reached the area.

Many struggled to comprehend the motive behind the killing, while others said they were unable to accept the loss.

Family members were seen mourning, as neighbours joined them in expressing condolences, many in tears.

“We cannot accept this death under any circumstances. We want justice for those responsible, and we demand that Bristy’s body be brought back to the country,” said Fazila Akter, a cousin of the victim.

Bristy, daughter of Jahir Uddin Akon and Alvi Begum, was a PhD student in chemical engineering at the University of South Florida.

A former student of Noakhali Science and Technology University, she went to the United States on August 12, 2025, for higher studies. Her family has long been based in Dhaka’s Mirpur.

Bristy and another Bangladeshi student, Zamil Ahmed Limon, were earlier reported missing. Limon’s body was recovered on Friday, and US authorities later informed Bristy’s family that she had also been killed, although her body has not yet been found.

US authorities have charged Limon’s 26-year-old roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh, with two counts of premeditated murder following the recovery of Limon’s body. Relatives have demanded justice and called for the repatriation of Bristy’s body to Bangladesh.

Madaripur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Wadia Shabab said the matter primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the Bangladesh Embassy in the United States.

“If the family seeks any assistance, we will provide it. We are also ready to share local information if requested by the embassy,” she said.