James Anderson:
Under the soft afternoon light of August 8, 2025, the sound of heartfelt prayers filled the Parkchester Jame Mosque in the Bronx as New Yorkers from all corners of the community gathered to honor the memory of Detective Didarul Islam. The event, organized by the Bangladeshi American Police Association, became a powerful demonstration of unity, drawing people of various backgrounds, as well as prominent city leaders and law enforcement officials.
Among those present was Mayor Eric Adams, joined by representatives from the NYPD and numerous community leaders, all standing side by side with residents to pay tribute to the fallen officer. The gathering reflected the unity of the community, as people from different walks of life came together at the mosque to honor a man remembered not only for his dedicated service, but also for his kindness and integrity.
Detective Islam, a respected member of the NYPD and a long-time Bronx resident, lost his life on July 28 in a tragic gun attack on Park Avenue in Manhattan that claimed four lives. His death sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and among New York’s Bangladeshi-American population, where he was seen as a bridge between cultures and a dedicated public servant.
Following his death, Detective Islam was laid to rest on July 31 in Totowa, New Jersey, in a funeral attended by family, fellow officers, and community members. Born in Kulaura, Moulvibazar District in Bangladesh’s Sylhet Division, he had built a life in the United States centered around service, connection, and commitment to justice.
At the memorial, speakers expressed deep appreciation to the Bangladeshi American Police Association for organizing the event, and to all who attended—emphasizing that the presence of people from so many communities was a testament to Detective Islam’s impact. Mayor Adams and NYPD officials praised his dedication to public safety and his ability to foster trust within the neighborhoods he served.
The atmosphere inside the mosque was one of solemn respect, yet also a quiet resolve. Attendees spoke of carrying forward the values Detective Islam represented—courage, compassion, and unity. For the Bangladeshi-American community, his legacy is a source of pride; for the city at large, it is a reminder of the human cost of violence and the duty to work for a safer, more just society.
As the final prayers were recited, there was a shared sense among those present that Detective Islam’s name and service will be remembered not only in the history of the NYPD, but also in the hearts of those he touched. His life, they agreed, was one of dedication—and his passing has brought New Yorkers together in the very spirit he embodied.
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