Government monitors US investigation to ensure justice for Bristy, says foreign secretary

He says Dhaka remains in contact with the US authorities

The government has been working to ensure a proper investigation and due justice in the murder of student Nahida Sultana Bristy in the United States, according to Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.

He briefed the media at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport at 10:20am on Saturday after the student’s remains were handed over to her family.

Siam confirmed that the government is maintaining constant contact with the US authorities over the matter.

Describing the killing as a tragic and heart-wrenching incident, the foreign secretary said the government understands the profound grief the family is enduring.

He noted the presence of Bristy’s parents and other relatives at the airport.

"I offer my deepest condolences to Bristy’s family, relatives, and friends, and I pray for the salvation of her soul," he said.

Siam said the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC and the Bangladesh Consulate General in Florida have been working to ensure that the investigation and legal proceedings against those accused in the killing are carried out properly.

The government expects the family to receive a fair and transparent trial.

The foreign secretary also sought prayers from people across the country for Bristy, a PhD student at the University of South Florida (USF).

Earlier, Bristy’s remains reached Dhaka at 9:10am via an Emirates Airlines flight from Dubai.

Her parents and relatives received the coffin at the airport.