Bangladeshi PhD Student Murdered in United States

The ancestral home of Nahida Sultana Brishti, a Bangladeshi doctoral student murdered in the United States, has been enveloped in profound grief. On Saturday, 25 April, a significant number of relatives and neighbours gathered at her residence in the Char Gobindapur area of Khoajpur Union, situated within the Madaripur Sadar Upazila, to offer condolences to the bereaved family.

Academic Background and Migration

Nahida Sultana Brishti was the daughter of Jahir Uddin Akon and Alvi Begum. Her academic trajectory was marked by distinction; she was an alumna of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) in Bangladesh. Seeking advanced research opportunities, she migrated to the United States on 12 August 2025 to pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of South Florida (USF).

Disappearance and Confirmation of Death

According to family sources, the final communication between Brishti and her parents occurred on 16 April. Following this date, she was reported missing as she ceased all contact. The family subsequently received information regarding the deaths of Brishti and one of her classmates. Despite the confirmation of her passing, the family maintains that her remains have not yet been recovered or officially handed over.

The circumstances surrounding the double fatality remain unclear to the family. They have expressed frustration regarding the lack of specific details concerning the motive and the method of the homicide.

Family Appeals and Official Response

The victim’s father, Jahir Uddin Akon, confirmed his acceptance of his daughter’s demise while issuing a formal plea to the authorities. “I have certain confirmation that my daughter is no longer alive,” he stated, “I demand that her body be recovered and repatriated to Bangladesh immediately.”

Other family members, including her cousin Tuli Akon, relative Fajila Akhter, and uncle Danial Akon, have echoed this sentiment. Tuli Akon noted that while the body of the classmate had reportedly been located, Brishti’s remains were still missing. The family is collectively demanding a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible for the crime.

Administrative Coordination

Wadia Shabab, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Madaripur Sadar, addressed the situation by stating that the local administration is prepared to provide necessary support. She confirmed that the matter would be coordinated through the relevant embassy channels to facilitate the repatriation process and ensure the family receives the required administrative assistance during this period.

The local community remains in a state of mourning as they await further updates from US law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the recovery of the deceased student.