Introduction to the Bangladeshi American Police Association
Outside the Bronx mosque where a New York City police officer was eulogized last week, a group of officers in their formal navy blue uniforms solemnly hung a banner bearing the young officer’s photograph and the name of his fraternity, the Bangladeshi American Police Association.
Didarul Islam — one of four people killed in the July 28 shooting at the Manhattan office tower housing the NFL’s headquarters — was the NYPD’s first Bangladeshi American officer killed in the line of duty.
The Growing Presence of Bangladeshi Americans in the NYPD
His funeral underscored the fertile recruiting ground the department has found in the city’s thriving Bangladeshi community. More than 1,000 of the NYPD’s roughly 33,000 uniformed members are Bangladeshi Americans, according to the association. Another 1,500 people of Bangladeshi heritage are among the department’s 19,000 civilian employees.
Factors Contributing to the Increase in Bangladeshi American Officers
Those numbers are up from just a handful of officers a few decades ago, a phenomenon some Bangladeshi officers attribute partly to their own patriotic response to anti-Muslim sentiment after the 9/11 attacks, as well as active recruitment and word-of-mouth in the community.
Community Reaction and Support
Among the sea of NYPD officers who lined the street to honor Islam, 36, were some who opted for traditional South Asian attire, their police badges worn around their necks. Many joined the throngs of mourners who knelt in the street in prayer.
“He actually uplifted our community in a way that was not imaginable before,” said Shamsul Haque, one of the co-founders of the NYPD’s 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.”
Historical Context: Post-9/11 Era and the NYPD
Bangladeshi Immigrants Joining the NYPD
When Haque joined the NYPD in 2004, he was one of just a few Bangladeshi immigrants. Many of those who joined around then wanted to dispel the notion that all Muslims were terrorist sympathizers, he said.
Haque, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1991, had recently graduated college with a business administration degree when the twin towers fell. But rather than follow his peers into a financial field, he enrolled in the police academy, a decision he acknowledged was initially met with skepticism from his parents.
Perception of Muslims in the NYPD
In the aftermath of 9/11, the NYPD built up a domestic surveillance program that for years systematically spied on Muslim communities and monitored local businesses, mosques and student groups in a hunt for terror cells.
Haque, 52, who retired earlier this year after becoming the first South Asian and first Muslim to attain the rank of lieutenant commander in the NYPD, said the perception of Muslims among rank-and-file members has improved.
Path to Becoming an NYPD Officer
Starting with Civilian Police Jobs
To grow their numbers, Haque and others went out into the community proselytizing a sensible path for recently arrived immigrants.
Aspiring Bangladeshi officers were encouraged to take civilian jobs in the department, such as traffic enforcement officers and school safety agents, that don’t require U.S. citizenship. After gaining citizenship, usually in about five years, they could then apply for the police academy to become a uniformed officer.
Success Stories and Leadership Roles
Some 60% of all officers of Bangladeshi heritage in the NYPD followed this pipeline, Haque estimated. Islam, the officer killed last week, began his career as a school safety officer after immigrating to the U.S. about 16 years ago.
The visible growth of Bangladeshis in the NYPD has helped many aspire to leadership roles in the department, just as generations of Irish, Italian and Latino immigrants did before them.
Reflections from a Young Officer
Ishmam Chowdhury, a 26-year-old officer who graduated from the academy in May, said Islam’s death just a few months into his own career has left a lasting impression.
Like Islam’s wife, who is expecting their third child, Chowdhury’s wife is due to give birth to their first soon.
“It just hit us a little different because like that made us think, what if it happens to me today? It can,” he said. “So yeah, I guess that’s a wake-up call for us that even though this is a noble job, we are definitely at grave risk.”
Conclusion
The death of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam has spotlighted the rise of Bangladeshi immigrants in the NYPD, with over 1,000 Bangladeshi Americans serving as uniformed officers and 1,500 as civilian employees. The community’s growing presence in the department is a testament to their patriotism and dedication to public service.
FAQs
- Q: How many Bangladeshi Americans are serving in the NYPD?
A: Over 1,000 Bangladeshi Americans are serving as uniformed officers, and 1,500 are serving as civilian employees. - Q: What motivated Bangladeshi immigrants to join the NYPD after 9/11?
A: Many Bangladeshi immigrants joined the NYPD to dispel the notion that all Muslims were terrorist sympathizers and to serve their community. - Q: What is the path to becoming an NYPD officer for Bangladeshi immigrants?
A: Many aspiring Bangladeshi officers start by taking civilian jobs in the department, such as traffic enforcement officers and school safety agents, and then apply for the police academy after gaining U.S. citizenship.
