The University of South Florida (USF) has decided to award posthumous PhD degrees to two Bangladeshi students, Jamil Ahmed Limon and Nahida Sultana Brishti, who were victims of a হত্যাকাণ্ড in Florida.
According to local outlet Tampa Bay 28, the degrees will be conferred during the Spring Commencement on May 8 (local time). In tribute, the university will leave two chairs empty in their honor and observe a one-minute moment of silence.
Official communication and representation
University authorities formally informed the Bangladesh Consulate in Miami about the decision through a letter sent on Tuesday. The information was also confirmed by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The university has requested a representative from the consulate to attend the ceremony and receive the degrees on behalf of the victims’ families. The consulate has confirmed that a representative will be present.
Academic background
Both students were pursuing doctoral studies at USF:
- Jamil Ahmed Limon (27): PhD in Geography, Environment, and Policy
- Nahida Sultana Brishti (27): PhD in Chemical Engineering
Disappearance and murder investigation
Limon and Brishti were reported missing on April 16, after a friend alerted university authorities. Later, police confirmed that both had been brutally murdered.
In connection with the killings, police have arrested Hisham Abugharbeh, a U.S. citizen and Limon’s roommate, on suspicion of involvement.
Tribute and remembrance
The university’s decision to award posthumous degrees and honor the victims during commencement reflects a gesture of recognition for their academic journey and a tribute to their memory.
