TAMPA, Fla. — The search continues for two 27-year-old University of South Florida graduate students who have been missing for nearly a week.
University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD) and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) are asking for the public's help in finding Nahida S. Bristy and Zamil Limon, both international doctoral students from Bangladesh, who went missing the morning of April 16 in Tampa.
WATCH: HCSO asks for public's help finding 2 missing USF students
Limon was reportedly last seen at his apartment at Avalon Heights around 9 a.m., and Bristy was last seen around 10 a.m. at the Natural and Environmental Science building on the USF campus, where flyers about the missing students are now posted.
On April 17, around 5 p.m., a family friend notified USFPD after being unable to contact both people, and a missing person report was filed.
"We do believe that they are together and that's how we're treating it at this point," USF Police Spokesperson Larry McKinnon said.
McKinnon said investigators checked with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement early on to see if the students left the country. Police said they are not in custody and there is no indication they have gone anywhere.
"As time goes on, our concerns increase," McKinnon said.
Zahid Pranto, Bristy's brother, said the last time he heard from his sister was last Thursday, the day police said she went missing.
"Last time we talked with her, it was, Thursday. It was 10 p.m. here in Bangladesh, so it should be 12 in Tampa time," Pranto said.
"My family's currently devastated," Pranto said. "And I cannot imagine a world without her," Pranto said.
Pranto said his sister did not have bad blood with anyone.
"Everyone knows her as a very jolly person. She always had a smile on her face and all that," Pranto said.
Pranto said it is unusual for his sister to miss class because she is very focused on her studies and even has an exam coming up.
"Most importantly, she would never switch off the phone and stop contacting with us," Pranto said.
Pranto said Limon and his sister are friends, and he has been in touch with Limon's family in Bangladesh.
"Both families are victims here, and both families are suffering," Pranto said.
"We just want them back safe and sound, that's it," Pranto said.
The disappearance is concerning students who live nearby.
"I would also say definitely scary, a little concerning," USF student Monica Munn said.
"The fact that it's in my apartment complex and like my school is like really off-putting and like scary," USF student Whitney Jeanie said.
McKinnon said they believe this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is now the lead agency in both missing persons cases. Detectives are actively following leads and conducting searches in multiple locations, including Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
The USF Police Department partners continue to assist in this investigation.
Consulate General of Bangladesh in Miami and Consul Head of Chancery Tuing Aye gave the following statement to Tampa Bay 28:
The Consulate General of Bangladesh in Miami and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC are in close contact with the students' family.
We have been in touch with the University's Administration, Police Department and requested to take necessary actions to expedite the search. We have also mobilized with the local Bangladeshi Community and Bangladeshi Students' Association there.
We have also formally notified the Office of Foreign Missions in Miami about the situation. They have notified concerned DS colleagues in Miami and Orlando who cover Tampa for their awareness and action, as necessary.
According to the Embassy's inquiries with the authorities concerned, there have been no reported encounters with law enforcement or ICE. Both individuals are in legal immigration status, and checks of international flights and nationwide arrest records have yielded no results. They are currently working to verify domestic flight records.
We shall inform you of the updates if we receive anything from appropriate authorities. You also kindly let us know if you receive any information regarding them.
If you have any information, please contact the HCSO at 813-247-8200.
Share Your Story with Annette
If you live in Wesley Chapel or the surrounding area, Annette Gutierrez is here for you. She’s focused on finding solutions and getting results for our neighbors, so send Annette tips on how she can help.
.
Fired Hillsborough major blew nearly twice legal limit, had Jack Daniel's in his patrol vehicle
Major Troy Morgan, who oversaw DUI enforcement for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, blew a 0.125 and 0.143 on a breathalyzer test after reporting for duty.
