United News of Bangladesh

The death of New York City police officer Didarul Islam, the first Bangladeshi American member of the NYPD killed in the line of duty, has cast a spotlight on the growing presence of Bangladeshi immigrants in the department’s ranks. Islam, one of four people killed in the July 28 shooting at a Manhattan office tower housing the NFL’s headquarters, was remembered last week at a funeral service outside a Bronx mosque. Officers in navy blue uniforms unfurled a banner with his photograph alongside the emblem of the Bangladeshi American Police Association. Among the mourners were officers wearing traditional South Asian attire, their badges displayed around their necks. According to the association, more than 1,000 of the NYPD’s approximately 33,000 uniformed officers are Bangladeshi Americans, along with another 1,500 civilian employees of Bangladeshi heritage. This marks a dramatic increase from just a handful of officers a few decades ago — growth attributed to post-9/11 patriotism, targeted recruitment and word-of-mouth within the community. Bangladesh-origin police officer killed in Manhattan shooting praised as ‘hero’ “He uplifted our community in a way that was unimaginable before,” said Shamsul Haque, a co-founder of the Bangladeshi officers’ group. “His legacy will endure not only as a hero who gave his life protecting others, but also as a symbol of hope, integrity and the American dream.” Haque, who joined the force in 2004, recalled that many early recruits sought to challenge stereotypes about Muslims in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Over time, he said, perceptions among colleagues have improved, and Bangladeshi officers have risen through the ranks. Today, the NYPD counts 10 detectives, 82 sergeants, 20 lieutenants and four inspectors of Bangladeshi heritage. Many have followed a pathway starting with civilian roles such as school safety officers and traffic agents, which do not require U.S. citizenship. Islam himself began as a school safety officer after immigrating about 16 years ago. For newer recruits, Islam’s death has been sobering. “It made us think, what if it happens to me today? It can,” said Officer Ishmam Chowdhury, 26, who joined the NYPD in May. He moved from Bangladesh in 2019, driven by a desire to serve after experiencing armed robberies as a teenager. “That’s what makes this city, this country, great,” Chowdhury said. “It doesn’t matter where somebody comes from — if somebody works hard and truly wants to do something, they can do it.”

NYPD officer Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant who was among the victims of a deadly shooting incident at a Manhattan office building, was praised for his bravery and selflessness. “He was doing the job that we asked him to do. He put himself in harm’s way. He made the ultimate sacrifice,” said NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell Tisch. “He died as he lived – a hero.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams echoed the sentiment, calling Islam a “true blue” hero. “He was saving lives, he was protecting New Yorkers,” Adams said. “He loved this city, and everyone we spoke with stated he was a person of faith and a person that believed in God.” Bangladeshi immigrant among 4 killed in shooting at New York City office tower Islam is survived by his wife and two young sons. Tisch added, “His wife is pregnant with their third child.” Islam had served with the New York Police Department (NYPD) for over three years. While authorities have not released the identities of the other three individuals killed in the attack — two men and a woman — it was confirmed that one of the victims was shot inside Rudin Management’s office. The firm, which owns the entire building at 345 Park Avenue, is one of New York’s oldest real estate companies. A fourth male victim remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital. Mayor Adams said the man was “fighting for his life.” Later, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed the injured individual was an employee of the league. “As has been widely reported, a gunman committed an unspeakable act of violence in our building at 345 Park Avenue. One of our employees was seriously injured in this attack. He is currently in the hospital and in stable condition,” Goodell said in a message to NFL staff. Authorities said the names of the victims would be released after notifying their families.   Source: AP, Al Jazeera