Two Bangladeshi Doctoral Students Vanish at University of South Florida, Sparking Police Search
In a concerning development, two Bangladeshi students pursuing doctorates at the University of South Florida (USF) have been reported missing for days, with no contact to their families in Bangladesh or friends in the United States. The disappearance of Zamil Limon and Nahida S Bristy, both aged 27, has triggered an urgent police investigation and widespread worry among their loved ones.
Last Sightings and Timeline of Disappearance
According to the University of South Florida Police Department, Limon was last seen around 9 a.m. on April 16 at his student apartment on Avalon Heights Boulevard near the campus. Bristy was last spotted approximately an hour later, at 10 a.m., at the Natural and Environmental Sciences Building on the USF grounds. Their phones have since been switched off, cutting off all communication.
The mysterious absence went unnoticed for a full day until a family friend, after attempting to reach them separately, reported both individuals missing at 5 p.m. the following day. This delay has added to the anxiety surrounding the case, as their families describe them as dedicated and responsible students who rarely miss classes.
Police Investigation and Family Concerns
Larry McKinnon, Public Information Officer for USF Public Safety, stated in an interview with FOX13 that while there is no current evidence of foul play or suspicious activity, the situation is highly unusual. “Everybody internally is obviously very concerned, as we are concerned,” McKinnon said. “It's not typical of their behavior, they're graduate students. We don’t have information that there is foul play or suspicious nature at this point.”
Families had initially raised fears that the students might have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but police have confirmed that their immigration status is clear and they are not in ICE custody. This has only deepened the mystery, prompting authorities to appeal to the public for assistance. “When we get to this point where we aren’t having success in locating them, then our next best source is the public,” McKinnon emphasized. “That’s where we are at.”
Background of the Missing Students
Zamil Limon is a PhD candidate in geography, environmental science, and policy, while Nahida S Bristy is studying chemical engineering. Both are known for their academic dedication, making their sudden disappearance all the more alarming. Limon's brother, Zubaer Ahmed, based in Bangladesh, expressed his suspicions to FOX13, noting that Limon is a punctual and responsible person. “He is a very responsible and punctual person, and that’s why the situation is so unpredictable and unusual to us… like, and very suspicious,” Ahmed said.
In their last conversation, Limon was preoccupied with his thesis work. Ahmed also revealed that the pair had discussed future plans together, including the possibility of marriage, but were not yet serious about such commitments. “Another important point is that they talked about having a future together, but they are not that serious about it,” Ahmed explained. “Both of them are thinking about whether they can marry together, and they are discussing that.”
The University of South Florida community and law enforcement continue to search for any leads, urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation into this baffling case progresses.
