Moulvibazar Son's Janaza Thursday: NYPD Officer Didarul Islam Laid to Rest in Bronx

The New York City Bangladeshi community, particularly those with roots in Moulvibazar, is preparing for a deeply emotional day tomorrow, Thursday, July 31, 2025, as the Janaza (funeral prayer) for fallen NYPD Officer Didarul Islam is held at the Parkchester Jame Masjid in the Bronx. Officer Islam, a 36-year-old father, husband, and cherished son of Moulvibazar, Bangladesh, was tragically killed in Monday's senseless mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan.

Didarul Islam was an immigrant who arrived in the U.S. in 2009 with his parents and family, building a new life for himself in the Bronx. Originally from Kulaura Upazila in Moulvibazar district, he embodied the spirit of dedication, serving with the NYPD for three-and-a-half years, assigned to the 47th Precinct. He was working an off-duty security detail, in uniform, at 345 Park Avenue when the shooter, 27-year-old Shane Tamura, opened fire with an AR-15. Officer Islam was the first victim shot, reportedly as he attempted to protect others or intervene. Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have posthumously hailed him as a "true-blue New Yorker" and a hero.

The horrific attack also claimed the lives of three other innocent victims: Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne, and Rudin Management employee Julia Hyman. The gunman, Shane Tamura, who reportedly suffered from mental health issues and left a suicide note blaming the NFL for his alleged CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), ultimately took his own life on the 33rd floor of the building.

The void left by Officer Islam's death is immense, particularly for his young family. He leaves behind his distraught wife, who is eight months pregnant with their third child, and two young sons, aged 5 and 7. The children are reportedly struggling to comprehend their father's absence, with the youngest not fully understanding the tragedy and the eldest walking around in shock with his father's police book. Officer Islam was also the only son of his parents; his father in Bangladesh reportedly suffered a stroke upon hearing the news and remains hospitalized.

The Janaza prayer at Parkchester Jame Masjid on Thursday will be a profound moment of community solidarity and grief. A women-only viewing is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a men-only viewing from 11 a.m. to noon. Attendees are reminded that women are requested to wear a head covering or an eight-point hat. Following the Janaza, a private tribute, prayer service, and interment will be held. Officer Islam's body was transferred to the mosque on Tuesday afternoon with a dignified police procession.

The Parkchester community and members of the mosque remember Officer Islam as a "very nice," "gentle," and "hardworking" individual of "excellent character" who was deeply committed to his faith and community. His sacrifice has resonated widely, reminding many of the immense contributions of immigrants to New York City and the ultimate price paid by those who serve to protect.