Daniel Matthew :
In a meaningful gathering that reflected both civic pride and rising political influence, members of Zohraan Mamdani’s Mayoral Transition Team met with the New York Bangladesh Press Club for a community dialogue on the future of the city and the role of Bangladeshi-Americans within it.
Held at Nobanna Party Hall in Jackson Heights on Sunday, December 7, the meeting brought together journalists, elected officials, transition team members, and community advocates for an evening of discussion, collaboration, and reflection. Presided over by Press Club President Monowar Islam and conducted by General Secretary Mominul Islam Mojumder, the event opened with a recitation from the Qur’an by Club Treasurer Rashid Ahmad and welcome remarks from the President.
Representing the Mayor-Elect’s Transition Team, speakers included Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, Arman Chowdhury CPA, Shamsul Haque, Kazi Fauzia, Tazin Azad, and Fariha Akhter, among others.
Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan emphasized the overwhelming interest in joining the new city administration, noting, “Over 70,000 applications have been submitted to be part of the mayoral team. While the exact number of Bangladeshi applicants is still unknown, our community’s strong showing at the polls has caught national attention—even in the White House.”
He added that efforts are underway to identify qualified Bangladeshi professionals for inclusion in the city government, particularly advocating for the creation of multiple community centers in Brooklyn and Queens.
Arman Chowdhury CPA highlighted the uphill battle Mamdani faced, explaining, “This was not an easy win. Powerful opposition groups worked against Mamdani, even receiving remarks from former President Donald Trump. Yet, due to overwhelming support from Muslim and Bangladeshi voters, he secured a decisive victory.”
He underscored that the community’s role in the transition team is not based on individual success but a collective achievement of all Bangladeshi-American voters. “The more we participate in elections, the stronger our position becomes,” he said.
Shamsul Haque echoed those sentiments, stating that the city’s skyrocketing cost of living was a major concern for voters. “New Yorkers are struggling. We sent Mamdani to City Hall to bring affordability back.”
Kazi Fauzia, a non-profit leader, emphasized how long-term community activism helped 12 Bangladeshi-Americans earn spots on the transition team. Tazin Azad expressed hope that the mayor would listen to education-related concerns, noting that “Bangladeshi students are performing well, and with support, their future is bright.”
Fariha Akhter spoke about ongoing struggles for a sustainable and joyful life in New York, while encouraging unity within the community ahead of uncertain political developments in the national landscape.
Among the additional speakers were former club presidents Dr. Wazed A. Khan and Abu Taher, advisor ABM Saleh Uddin, and journalists Shah Newaz, Manjurul Haque, Rimon Islam, Syed Elias Khasru, and others. District 36 Assemblywoman Mary Zubaida was also present, alongside senior journalist Shahriar Rahman of the transition team.
The event concluded with a floral welcome for the transition team, symbolizing a strong bridge between the media, community leadership, and the incoming city administration. The evening served as a testament to the growing civic power of Bangladeshi-Americans in New York City—and their readiness to shape its future.
