The sorrow engulfing New York over the loss of Officer Didarul Islam was palpable across the city Monday night, reaching from Midtown all the way to the Bronx’s 47th Precinct.
As a man walked his dog in the Parkchester area, he couldn’t ignore the collective grief evident in the neighborhood. Police officers had come to deliver the tragic news that one of their own had been killed in a shooting at a Midtown skyscraper that day.
At just 36 years old, Islam was one of four victims of the tragedy, leaving behind a wife who is pregnant and two young sons.
Outside NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, crowds gathered in honor of Islam during the midnight hours, including fellow officers, Mayor Eric Adams, and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, standing united with either salutes or hands over their hearts.
His family, grieving and supporting each other, accompanied his casket, which was draped with the NYPD flag — emblazoned with green and white stripes, intricately lined with 24 stars.
Officials spoke highly of Islam, recognizing him as a hero and representative of the best qualities in the NYPD. Adams further mentioned that Islam was the first officer from Bangladesh to die in the line of duty, claiming him as a “true-blue New Yorker.” He exemplified the city’s spirit, Adams emphasized.
A Heartfelt Community Behind Him
New York boasts the largest Bangladeshi population in the United States, as highlighted by the Pew Research Center. Within Parkchester, however, this community remains close-knit, feeling Islam’s absence acutely.
community leader and taxi driver Foysol Ahmed, who moved to the U.S. from Bangladesh back in 2002, said, “Our community is very small” compared to others.
While sipping tea, he reflected on the transformation of the surrounding streets that make up what’s become known as Bangla Bazaar, bustling with South Asian businesses.
Shops like Al-Aqsa Restaurant serve delicious Indian and Bengali dishes, and Al-Aqsa Supermarket is just steps away. Other local businesses include Dhaka Digital Printing and Bangla Fashion House, with a bakery proudly displaying its Bengali heritage. Under the scorching heat Tuesday, friends and neighbors could be seen choosing fresh fruits and vegetables outside local grocery stores.
Ahmed reminisced about seeing Islam in the area; they even lived nearby. The loss of the officer was like a seismic shock to the community.
In a heartfelt tribute, Ahmed shared a Muslim prayer along with Islam’s picture on social media upon hearing the tragic news.
“We feel proud,” he repeated.
The Pain of Loss
Bangladeshi officer Rakib Hasan echoed Ahmed’s sentiments, expressing his pride for Islam and recognizing how far their community has come in representation.
Nonetheless, Islam’s fatal shooting stunned everyone. Hasan described him as “humble, friendly, and very approachable,” always ready to help.
Mohammed Ahia, the mosque’s vice president, expressed the community’s sorrow, portraying Islam as a truly kind individual who regularly attended Friday prayers with his loved ones.
Muhammad Mainul Islam, an imam at the Bronx Islamic Cultural Center, noted the strong bond of camaraderie shared among community members.
That morning, a steady stream of community members visited Islam’s home to pay their respects. At one point, a car delivered multiple cases of water inside.
The family, still grappling with their loss, faced additional challenges as his father was reported to have suffered a health incident after receiving the news, winding up hospitalized. Walking in familial footsteps, Islam was an only son who was eagerly waiting to become a father-of-three.
A neighbor observed how close-knit Islam’s family was within the community. During his evening walk, he heard distinct sounds of grieving coming from the house.
Honoring a Fallen Hero
Islam worked at the 47th Precinct in the Bronx, located twenty minutes north of the Bangla Bazaar, and had dedicated himself to the NYPD for three and a half years.
On the day of the shooting, he had been off-duty, performing security work at 345 Park Avenue. The police commissioner later acknowledged that he had been fulfilling the responsibilities he took on.
Mayor Adams ordered all flags at municipal buildings to be flown at half-staff in memory of Islam, with Governor Kathy Hochul issuing a similar directive for state structures.
During a news update, Adams shared about his emotional encounter with Islam’s family on Monday night.
On Tuesday night, yet another dignified transfer of Islam’s remains took place, moving his body from Kips Bay medical examiner’s office to the Parkchester Jame Masjid Mosque, where hundreds of officers were present for the solemn procession.
A wall of officers descended along Virginia Avenue, lending solemnity to the event as a police escort led the way, with a considerable number of motorcycle units ensuring a respectful passage for the ambulance carrying Officer Islam.
As the procession arrived, high-ranking officials including Tisch stood in reverent silence while Islam’s body was transported from the ambulance gently wrapped in the NYPD flag. Members of the police force rendered honors with foot salutes as Islam was guided into the mosque.
