Story perspectives

Two Bangladeshi USF Doctoral Students Missing, Police Seek Help

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Police said Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, 27-year-old Bangladeshi doctoral students at USF, vanished an hour apart on April 16 in Tampa.
Their families described the disappearances as out of character and suspicious.
USF Police and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office entered the students into state and national missing-person databases and requested public assistance.
Authorities confirmed there are no immigration or ICE issues and no evidence of foul play.

History

Historical Context

On December 25, 1945, a fire destroyed the Sodder home in Fayetteville, West Virginia, resulting in the disappearance of five children. Despite extensive investigations, including involvement from the FBI, no remains were found, leading the family to suspect foul play. This case, alongside recent disappearances like those of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, underscores the persistent challenges in missing persons investigations and the need for improved protocols.

1 of 2

Story summary

Police said Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, 27-year-old Bangladeshi doctoral students at USF, vanished an hour apart on April 16 in Tampa.
Their families described the disappearances as out of character and suspicious.
USF Police and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office entered the students into state and national missing-person databases and requested public assistance.
Authorities confirmed there are no immigration or ICE issues and no evidence of foul play.

1 / 2