The ancestral home of Bangladeshi student Nahida Sultana Brishti in Char Gobindapur village under Khoajpur Union of Madaripur Sadar Upazila has been engulfed in grief following reports of her killing in the United States. On Saturday afternoon, 25 April, relatives and neighbours gathered at the family residence as news of her death spread through the area.
Brishti was the daughter of Jahir Uddin Akon and Alvi Begum. She had previously studied at Noakhali Science and Technology University and was pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of South Florida in the United States.
According to family accounts, she travelled to the United States on 12 August 2025 for higher studies. The last contact with her family took place on 16 April. After that date, she was reported missing. Later, relatives were informed of the deaths of Brishti and one of her classmates. However, the family has stated that her body has not yet been recovered.
Family members have also said they have no confirmed information regarding the circumstances or motive behind the incident. They have called for the recovery and repatriation of her body to Bangladesh and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved.
Brishti’s cousin, Tuli Akon, stated that while the body of her classmate had been recovered, Brishti’s remains were still missing. Other relatives, including Fajila Akhtar and her uncle Danial Akon, echoed similar demands for justice.
Her father, Jahir Uddin Akon, stated that he had come to accept that his daughter was no longer alive and urged authorities to recover and return her body to Bangladesh without delay.
Local administrative officials have confirmed that the matter will be coordinated through the relevant embassy and that necessary assistance will be provided to the family upon request.
Key Information Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Nahida Sultana Brishti |
| Parents | Jahir Uddin Akon and Alvi Begum |
| Previous Institution | Noakhali Science and Technology University |
| Current Study | PhD in Chemical Engineering |
| University Abroad | University of South Florida, United States |
| Departure for Study | 12 August 2025 |
| Last Contact | 16 April |
| Current Status | Reported deceased; body not yet recovered (family statement) |
The incident has prompted calls from the family for diplomatic coordination and administrative intervention to ensure the recovery and repatriation of the deceased student’s remains.