Concerns are mounting for two University of South Florida doctoral students, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, who have been missing for nearly a week. The pair were last seen separately on April 16 in Tampa, Florida, prompting a search effort following a report by a mutual acquaintance.
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Zamil Limon, 27, who is studying geography and environmental science and policy, was reportedly last seen at his home in the morning at around 9:00 a.m. Nahida Bristy, aged 27 and pursuing a degree in chemical engineering, was seen shortly after at about 10:00 a.m. on the USF campus, specifically near the NES Building.
The alarm was raised on April 17, when an acquaintance informed the University of South Florida Police Department that both students were unreachable. The details of the report suggested an immediate concern for their wellbeing, prompting the police to initiate an investigation. As part of this effort, both individuals have now been entered into state and national missing persons databases.
Investigation teams from the University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD) are working alongside the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to uncover more information regarding the students’ whereabouts. They are reaching out to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information to contact the university police at 813-974-2628.
Sources indicate that Limon and Bristy are friends and were thought to be together at the time of their disappearance. This connection has raised further concerns, particularly among family members. Limon’s younger brother, Zubaer Ahmed, who resides in Bangladesh, expressed his alarm over the situation. He characterised his brother as someone responsible and punctual, which has made his sudden disappearance all the more puzzling and concerning for the family.
In his comments to a local news outlet, Ahmed described the distress that the family is experiencing: “We are in deep pain and in a devastating situation,” he stated, highlighting the anguish that the uncertainty has caused. The situation has been described as “unpredictable and unusual,” intensifying the family’s fears about what might have happened to the two students.
Law enforcement officials have clarified that Limon and Bristy are not currently being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This point of clarification aims to alleviate some concerns stemming from their identities as international students from Bangladesh.
As the investigation continues, the community, both at the university and in the wider Tampa area, has rallied to support the search efforts. Friends and colleagues have come forward to share their hopes for a swift and safe resolution to this troubling case. Social media has also played a significant role in spread awareness, with many sharing information and rallying support for the families involved.
The missing students’ cases underscore the growing concern for international students’ safety and wellbeing as they pursue their education abroad. As search efforts persist, the hope remains that Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy will be found safe, allowing their families and friends to find some peace amid the uncertainty.
Authorities continue to work diligently to gather any leads that might help locate the missing students. As the situation unfolds, both the police and the university community remain focused on finding a resolution, urging anyone who may have information to come forward.