Bangladeshi-American Police Officer Didarul Islam Laid to Rest with Guard of Honor and Tribute from 20,000 Mourners in New York
Progga News Desk, NY, USA:
Bangladeshi-American NYPD officer Didarul Islam, who was killed in the line of duty during a mass shooting, was laid to rest with full honors. On Thursday, July 31, a sea of nearly 20,000 people gathered for his funeral prayers at the Parkchester Jame Masjid in the Bronx, New York. Amidst tears, flowers, love, and deep respect, people from all walks of life bid farewell to this heroic son of the community.
Defying storm and flood warnings, thousands began gathering early in the morning on Virginia Avenue in the Bronx. Around 5,000 officers from the New York Police Department were in attendance, along with law enforcement representatives from other states and agencies. Notable dignitaries present included New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Congressman Ritchie Torres, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, among others.
The funeral prayer was led by Dr. Zakir Ahmed, Imam of Parkchester Jame Masjid. In his sermon, he repeatedly emphasized the pride Didarul brought to both Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi-American community.
After the funeral, thousands of police officers lined the streets to offer a final salute. A helicopter flyover honored him with a ceremonial Guard of Honor. His body was then taken to Laurel Grove Cemetery in New Jersey, where he was laid to rest with full state honors.
The NYPD announced that Didarul Islam has been posthumously promoted to the rank of Detective First Grade—one of the department’s highest honors, typically reserved for long-serving officers. This promotion ensures his family will receive the highest level of pension and benefits.
Didarul joined the NYPD four years ago. Before that, he served in the School Safety Division and the Traffic Unit. He hailed from Kulaura in the Moulvibazar district of Sylhet, Bangladesh. At the time of his death, he was 36 years old. He leaves behind two young sons, and his wife is currently eight months pregnant.
According to police reports, on the afternoon of Monday, July 28, while on duty at an office building on Park Avenue in Manhattan, Didarul Islam and three others were fatally shot by a 27-year-old gunman named Shane Devon Tamura, who later took his own life. Data from the Gun Violence Archive indicates that over 250 mass shootings have occurred in the U.S. so far in 2025, causing widespread fatalities.
This heartbreaking tragedy cast a cloud of mourning across New York. Poet and spoken word artist Chhanda Sultana emotionally remarked, “On the day of the funeral, the sky wept endlessly, as if nature itself was mourning this glorious Bengali’s passing. His death is one of sorrow, but also pride for all Bengalis.”
Didarul Islam’s death is not just the loss of an officer—it is the loss of a husband, a father, a son. His young child now asks only one question, “Where is Daddy?” A question that echoes through his family and the wider community.
In the history of New York, no other Bangladeshi-origin officer has received such an honorable farewell. Through his sacrifice, Didarul Islam elevated the name of Bangladesh and left a permanent mark on the city.
His death was heavier than the Himalayas, yet as pure as the shiuli flower. On the day of his funeral, New York seemed to pause—paying its deepest respects. This city will remember him, always.
