Shibbir Ahmed, New York: On Thursday afternoon (July 31), amid rain-soaked weather in the Bronx area of New York City, six police officers carried the coffin of their fallen colleague Didarul Islam as the somber notes of "Taps" echoed through the air.

Following the janazah (funeral prayer) of the Bangladeshi-origin officer, his body was brought out of the Parkchester Jame Masjid, where thousands of police officers stood silently in formation to pay their final respects. Didarul Islam was one of four people killed in a shooting in Midtown Manhattan on Monday (July 28).

As the music played during the service, the rain intensified. The green, blue, and white colors of the New York Police Department (NYPD) flag draped over Didarul's coffin appeared even deeper as it was soaked by the rain.

Videos and photos of this poignant scene have already spread widely across social media. The solemn gathering took place at the Jame Masjid in Parkchester, Didarul's home neighborhood.

During the funeral, thousands of uniformed officers from the NYPD and other U.S. law enforcement agencies lined several city blocks. Despite being drenched by the continuous rain, they stood still like statues.

Meanwhile, New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani sat with Didarul's family inside the mosque to participate in the prayers. The 36-year-old officer was a father of two whose pregnant wife was expecting their third child. He was an only child to his parents. His death has left a profound impact on Parkchester's Bangladeshi community.

Relatives, members of the Muslim community, and prominent New York City leaders gathered to remember and honor Didarul. They remembered him as a dedicated father and citizen who gave his all to protect his fellow residents.

On Monday (July 28), Didarul Islam was shot and killed by a 27-year-old gunman in the lobby of a skyscraper at 345 Park Avenue. He was off duty from the police force at the time, working security for the building.

During the funeral service, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced that Didarul Islam had been posthumously promoted to "Detective First Grade." Before beginning her remarks, she knelt before Didarul's wife and embraced her.

Tisch said that in Didarul's own words, the police department was like a blanket for society—providing comfort and compassion. "Everything he did was to give back to this city, to his family, to his relatives in Bangladesh, and to his mosque [Parkchester Jame Masjid]. Everyone was under his care, and he found peace in watching them thrive."

The Commissioner added that Didarul joined the NYPD in 2019 as a School Safety Agent and became a police officer in 2021.

Deputy Inspector Mohammad Ashraf, Commanding Officer of the NYPD's 47th Precinct, said Didarul's dedication to his work reflected his love for the community. "Didarul was not just a police officer; he was a son of this city and of another country. A proud immigrant from Bangladesh, he came to this nation with hope and served this city with honor."

Parkchester community leader Foysal Ahmed remarked that the officer became a symbol of pride through his humble service. "Whenever one of us represents institutions like the NYPD or FDNY, we feel immensely proud."

New York Governor Kathy Hochul described Didarul's death as a "searing pain." "This pain is extremely intense, but I hope the residents of this city hold onto one another," she said, urging the Bangladeshi community to lean on their fellow New Yorkers.

The victim's brother-in-law and NYPD Officer Kamrul Hasan spoke on behalf of the family, remembering Didarul as his "closest friend and protector."

Kamrul said, "Didarul was a proud father, an uncle, a brother, and a reliable human being. He was an honest leader. Whenever someone needed anything, he would step forward to help."

Deputy Inspector Ashraf noted that Didarul was the kind of person colleagues wanted by their side in times of crisis. A fellow officer remarked that Didarul could calm any chaotic situation and always showed up with a smile—he was humble, steady, and dependable.

In closing, Ashraf stated, "There are no words for this grief. But this is also a moment to honor a life of bravery, duty, and purpose." Invoking his Muslim faith, he added, "Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return."