Bangladesh has expressed strong expectations that those responsible for the killing of two Bangladeshi PhD students in the United States will be brought to justice, as authorities in Florida proceed with murder charges against a key suspect.
The victims -- Jamil Ahmed Limon, 27, and Nahida Sultana Brishti, 27 -- were both doctoral candidates associated with the University of South Florida.
Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Ministry on Sunday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam described the incident as "deeply tragic" and said the government is closely coordinating with US authorities.
Bangladesh's mission in Washington is in constant contact with the US Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other relevant agencies, she said.
The state minister confirmed that Limon's body has been recovered, while Brishti remains missing. "The government is working to complete legal procedures, including autopsy formalities, to repatriate Limon's body as quickly as possible with support from the expatriates' welfare authorities. Assistance is also being extended to Brishti's family," she said.
Meanwhile, US investigators have charged Hisham Abugharbieh with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon in connection with the deaths.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the suspect was the off-campus apartment roommate of Limon.
Limon's remains were recovered from the Howard Frankland Bridge on Friday morning. Authorities later added a second murder charge related to Brishti, although her body has yet to be found.
Officials said detailed findings would not be disclosed to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Prior to the murder charges, suspect Abugharbieh had been arrested on preliminary counts, including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, evidence tampering, false imprisonment and battery.
Law enforcement officers encountered the suspect while responding to a domestic violence complaint at his family home near the campus. He reportedly barricaded himself inside before surrendering following the deployment of a tactical team, drone, robot and crisis negotiators.
Investigators believe that the suspect acted alone in a case that has drawn widespread attention in the United States.
He appeared in court in Tampa on Saturday and was ordered held without bond, with a hearing tentatively set for April 28.
Authorities said Limon and Brishti, who were in a relationship and considering marriage, were last seen on the same day. Limon, a student of geography, environmental science and policy, was last seen at his apartment, while Brishti, a chemical engineering student who lived on campus, was last spotted at a science building. Concern grew after a family friend reported them missing on April 17.
An autopsy is underway to determine the cause of Limon's death.
UNB adds: The University of South Florida (USF) authorities have informed that both students had health insurance through their student status that includes repatriation coverage.
The University of South Florida is opening a case, as per the instructions of the insurance company's contact, said Golam Mortoza, Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, on Sunday.
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