Bangladeshi-American Cop Sacrifices Life to Save Others in NYC Shooting

Last month, the New York City community mourned the loss of Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old NYPD officer who was killed in a shooting at an office building in Manhattan. Islam, a Bangladeshi immigrant, was working a private security detail when the gunman opened fire, taking the lives of four people.

At a memorial service, dignitaries and community members paid tribute to Islam, emphasizing his commitment to his family, his background, and his service to the city he had adopted. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised Islam, saying he "did believe in the American dream, not as something handed down but as something built with your own hands." Mayor Eric Adams also honored Islam, stating that he "wanted to let us know that he believed in what this city and what this country stood for."

Islam, a married father of two with a third child on the way, was posthumously promoted to detective for his heroic actions. Imam Zakir Ahmed highlighted Islam's immigrant background and Muslim faith, saying he "lived at a time when people like him are too often feared, vilified and made to feel like outsiders." However, the imam added, "It's time for New York and America to give back -- to see us, to hear us, to protect our dignity, the way Officer Islam protected yours."