NYPD's Tragic Loss Highlights Bangladeshi Heroes
Slain officer’s death showcases growing Bangladeshi presence in NYPD.
In a solemn ceremony outside a Bronx mosque, New York City police officers honored their fallen colleague, Didarul Islam, the first Bangladeshi American officer killed in the line of duty. Islam, 36, was one of four victims in the July 28 shooting at the NFL’s headquarters in Manhattan. His funeral, marked by a banner from the Bangladeshi American Police Association, highlighted the increasing role of Bangladeshi immigrants in the NYPD.
The NYPD’s 33,000 uniformed officers include over 1,000 Bangladeshi Americans, with another 1,500 in civilian roles, a stark rise from just a few decades ago. This growth stems from a post-9/11 surge in recruitment, driven by a desire to counter anti-Muslim stereotypes and active community outreach. Shamsul Haque, a co-founder of the Bangladeshi American Police Association, joined in 2004 to challenge misconceptions about Muslims. “We wanted to show we’re patriotic, hardworking, and ethical,” said Haque, 52, the first South Asian and Muslim to become an NYPD lieutenant commander before retiring this year.
Many Bangladeshi officers, like Islam, start in civilian roles such as traffic enforcement or school safety, which don’t require U.S. citizenship. After gaining citizenship, they transition to uniformed roles. About 60% of Bangladeshi officers followed this path, Haque estimates. This pipeline has fostered ambition, with 10 detectives, 82 sergeants, 20 lieutenants, and four inspectors of Bangladeshi descent now serving, according to Sgt. Ershadur Siddique, the association’s president.
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Islam’s death has galvanized the community, with officers in traditional South Asian attire joining mourners in prayer. “He was a symbol of hope and the American dream,” Haque said. Siddique, part of Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail, added, “We’re proving we can lead, just like the Irish and Italians before us.” The NYPD’s diversity—38% white, 33% Hispanic, 17% Black, and 12% Asian—reflects this evolving legacy.
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