Bangladeshi PhD student Nahida Brishti dies in US

Nahida Brishti, a former student of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) who was pursuing a PhD at the University of South Florida in the United States, has died.

Expressing deep sorrow over her death, NSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Ismail, in a condolence message issued on Saturday, said Brishti was a meritorious and promising student from the 13th batch of the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. After completing her undergraduate studies, she went to the United States for higher education.

“Her untimely death is an irreparable loss for us,” he said.

The vice-chancellor added that her passing has deeply saddened the entire university community. He paid tribute to her memory and demanded exemplary punishment under US law for those responsible for her death, along with compensation for her family.

In the message, he also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. He expressed hope that the family would find the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

Professor Ismail further said he had been personally following developments related to the case and staying in contact with the relevant authorities for updates. “I had hoped that Nahida Brishti would be found soon and return to us safe and sound. But that hope was not fulfilled,” he said.

It may be noted that two Bangladeshi students—Jamil Limon and Nahida Brishti—had been reported missing since April 16, 2026, while studying at the University of South Florida. According to the latest information, both have died.

Brishti hailed from Faridpur district. Her death was confirmed by her brother Zahid Hasan Pranto and Professor Dr Fateh Nur Robel, chairman of the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at NSTU.