New York, Aug. 18 – In the midst of heartbreak, a glimmer of hope has emerged for the family of slain NYPD officer Didarul Islam. His wife, Jamila Akhter, has given birth to their third child, a baby boy named Arham, just weeks after Islam was killed in last month’s mass shooting in Manhattan.
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New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the news on Monday, noting that Mayor Eric Adams visited the family at Mount Sinai Hospital on Sunday night as Akhter went into labor.
“Out of tragedy, a new life has entered this world,” Tisch said. “Arham joins his two brothers, Ahyan and Azhaan. Together, they will carry forward their father’s legacy of service and courage — a legacy the NYPD will honor with the same devotion Didar gave to this city. Jamila, Ahyan, Azhaan, and now Arham will forever be part of the NYPD family.”
Remembering Officer Didarul Islam
Officer Islam, 36, a Bangladeshi immigrant and a three-and-a-half-year veteran of the force, was fatally shot on July 28 while on duty providing security at a Manhattan skyscraper that houses corporate offices of the NFL and Blackstone. He was the first victim struck inside the building’s lobby before the gunman continued his deadly rampage to the 33rd floor, where he shot another victim before taking his own life.
Three days later, thousands of mourners and fellow officers gathered for his funeral at a Bronx mosque, where he was posthumously promoted to detective in recognition of his bravery and service.
Out of tragedy, a new life has entered this world. Last night, Jamila Islam, the wife of Detective First Grade Didarul Islam, gave birth to their beautiful son, Arham. Arham joins his two big brothers, Ahyan and Azhaan.
Together, they will carry forward their father’s legacy of… pic.twitter.com/T7xZfz7kyG
— Jessica S. Tisch (@NYPDPC) August 18, 2025
Community Support for the Family
Since the tragedy, the New York community has rallied around Islam’s grieving family. Two online fundraising campaigns have collectively raised nearly $500,000 to support Jamila Akhter and her three young sons. A GoFundMe page has brought in nearly $80,000, while another fundraiser organized by NYPD groups and law enforcement associations has surpassed $416,000.
Mayor Adams expressed his condolences and gratitude in a post on X (formerly Twitter):
“I know how special Arham’s birth is for this family still dealing with the heartbreak of losing their hero. Rest in peace, Det. Islam. Your legacy lives on in your beautiful family.”
A Legacy of Courage
The birth of baby Arham offers a bittersweet reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and the resilience of their families. While the Islam family continues to grieve, their community — and the NYPD family — remains committed to ensuring the legacy of Detective Didarul Islam endures.
