Dhaka, Apr 26 (V7N) – What was once a story of pride and hope has turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for the family of Nahida Sultana Brishti, a Bangladeshi PhD student in the United States. Her father, Zaher Uddin Akon, who used to proudly share stories of his daughter’s academic journey abroad, is now struggling to speak through tears, saying, “My daughter is no more. Everything is over. Now I just want her body back, and I want justice.”

Brishti, a resident of Char Gobindapur under Khoajpur Union in Madaripur Sadar, traveled to the United States on August 12, 2025, to pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of South Florida. According to her family, the last contact with her was on April 16. She was reported missing shortly afterward, and recent developments have confirmed her death, although her body has not yet been recovered by authorities.

Family sources said Zaher Uddin Akon had long been living in Dhaka’s Mirpur area, where he worked as a manager at a life insurance company. Brishti was the younger of his two children, while her elder brother, Zahid Hasan, is an engineer. A graduate of Noakhali Science and Technology University, Brishti was widely known as a bright and promising student who inspired many in her community.

On Saturday, April 25, relatives, neighbors, and well-wishers gathered at the family home in Gobindapur in a scene of deep mourning. Many expressed disbelief over the loss of such a talented young woman and called for swift action to recover her remains and ensure justice.

Authorities in the United States are currently investigating the case. Reports from multiple American media outlets indicate that Brishti and her fellow student, Jamil Ahmed Limon, had lost contact with family members, prompting a family friend to notify authorities on April 17. Missing person reports were subsequently filed, and their names were added to both state and national missing persons databases.

It has also been confirmed that Limon, a student of the same university and reportedly a friend of Brishti, was killed in the same incident. His body has already been recovered by US authorities.

As the investigation continues, Brishti’s family and community remain united in grief, hoping her body will be recovered soon and that those responsible will face justice.

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