Officer Didarul Islam: Neighbors Remember a Friendly, Prayerful Man

A Life of Kindness and Service

Neighbors and friends of Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old NYPD officer who was tragically killed in Monday’s mass shooting at a Midtown office building, have shared heartfelt remembrances of him as a cheerful and friendly individual. Islam, who lived with his wife, two children, and a third child on the way, was known for his weekly visits to the mosque near his Parkchester home. His family has chosen not to speak publicly about the tragedy, but several people have been seen inside the house on East 172nd Street and Beach Avenue, welcoming visitors.

Taslima Afroz, a neighbor who didn’t know Islam well, described him as “a good person.” She expressed deep sadness over the shooting, noting that he leaves behind two young children and a wife who is eight months pregnant with their third child. “He’s really young,” she said. Despite the trauma of the incident, Afroz feels that her city is generally safe and that the close-knit Bangladeshi community in Parkchester supports one another.

Two doors down from the Islams, Ann Conde shared her condolences for the loss of Islam and his family. She had not previously known that he was a police officer. “It’s devastating,” she said. Conde, who has lived in the area for 33 years, often feels unsafe even on her own block, which is across from an elementary school. She mentioned that she recently installed cameras at her front door and noted that NYPD officers are regular visitors looking for footage of incidents in the area. However, she believes that Islam’s family will receive the support they need from the neighborhood.

Memories of a Friendly Neighbor

Tanjim Talukder, who lives around the corner from Islam, stopped his car in traffic to share memories of the man he often saw walking in the neighborhood and at the mosque every week, including this past Friday. “I can’t believe he died,” said Talukder. He described Islam as “a very good guy, always asked, ‘How are you, brother?’” According to Talukder, Islam was “always smiling, not only [at] me but whenever he sees other people.”

Talukder also mentioned that his own nephew is an officer with the 43rd Precinct and that officer safety is now a greater concern than ever. He insisted that something more should be done to protect them, though he wasn’t sure what the best solution would be. “I feel really sorry. He was a very friendly guy,” he added.

A Community in Mourning

At the 47th Precinct in Edenwald, officers did not provide comments on the incident, but two large floral wreaths were placed in the lobby in memory of Islam. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson visited the precinct on Tuesday afternoon and expressed her grief upon hearing about the shooting, especially since one of the Bronx’s own was lost.

Gibson spoke at Islam’s orientation ceremony when he joined the NYPD three years ago. She has not yet contacted his family out of respect for their privacy but is offering support to them and the 47th Precinct officers who lost a colleague. “He was well-loved,” she said. Gibson was particularly disturbed by the news that the gunman reportedly traveled from Nevada to commit the mass shooting in New York City. “It’s just such a loss.”

Gibson announced that her office is coordinating a vigil on Thursday, July 31, and will provide details soon. The community continues to come together to honor the life of Didarul Islam, a devoted officer and beloved member of the neighborhood.