The tight-knit Bangladeshi community of Parkchester in the Bronx is in mourning after Officer Didarul Islam, 36, was killed during a mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan this past Monday. Officer Islam, remembered fondly as a generous and faithful man, was off-duty and working for a private security firm when he lost his life to a gunman's violence, according to statements obtained by Gothamist. Shane Tamura, 27, identified as the shooter by police officials, took his own life after killing four individuals, including Islam, and wounding another.
Officer Islam, a devoted NYPD officer and local community pillar, left behind a wife, two children, with a third child on the way. The recent tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Parkchester neighborhood, often referred to as "Little Bangladesh," where the population of Bangladeshi immigrants has grown significantly from 1,900 to 3,000 since 2010, as per city planning department figures cited by Gothamist. Residents and local businesses have been expressing their sorrow, recalling Islam's generous spirit and his involvement with the Bronx Islamic Cultural Center.
Neighbors and friends conveyed their memories, with one nearby resident, Taslima Afroz, calling him "a good person," despite not knowing him well. Ann Conde, another neighbor, shared her condolences and support for the family, speaking to BxTimes, describing how the community will provide the support needed by Islam's grieving family. Tangible symbols of grief were noted, such as floral wreaths placed at the 47th Precinct where Islam served, and a banner outside P.S. 47, facing the Islam home, commemorating Officer Didarul Islam's service and sacrifice.
Islam's commitment to his community and faith was not just in words but also in deeds, such as underwriting a meal for a hundred people last Ramadan and contributing $2,000 to $3,000 to his mosque. "We are very sad," Parkchester resident Anamul Haque told Gothamist, "We lost our brother." Tanjim Talukder, another Parkchester resident, remembered Islam as "a very good guy, always asking, 'How are you, brother?'" according to an interview with BxTimes. He expressed concern for officer safety, underscoring the sense of loss within the community.
The Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, deeply affected by the news, spoke of her sadness and recounted speaking at Islam’s orientation when he joined the NYPD. She announced a vigil for tomorrow, to honor the fallen officer and support those affected by the tragedy. The vigil details, provided by Gibson's office, seek to unite the community in remembrance and solidarity during this difficult period.
