Jessica Morgan:
In a landmark moment for the Bangladeshi-American community and the broader South Asian diaspora, Hon. Soma S. Syed was officially sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at a formal induction ceremony held at the Ceremonial Courtroom of the New York City Civil Court.
The event was a dignified celebration of Justice Syed’s extraordinary legal career and her historic role as a barrier-breaking figure in the judiciary. The ceremony drew notable public officials and legal professionals, including Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, Hon. Rowan Wilson, who administered the oath of office. The Qur’an was held by Mizanur Choudhury, symbolizing a deep personal and cultural connection during the proceedings.
The emotional robing ceremony was conducted by Justice Syed’s close family members: Mizanur Choudhury, Aayan Choudhury, Alisha Choudhury, Dr. Nasrin Syed, Zaheen Syed, Ariyan Choudhury, and Anika Choudhury—highlighting the strength of family and the shared pride of this milestone.
The event also featured remarks from a wide range of distinguished speakers. Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, NYC Comptroller-Elect Mark Levine, Queens Borough President Hon. Donovan Richards Jr., and Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam of the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington D.C. all addressed the audience, emphasizing Justice Syed’s accomplishments and the broader significance of her appointment for immigrant and minority communities.
Representing the diversity of her heritage and legal community, speakers such as Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, New York State Senators Toby Ann Stavisky and John Liu, and Assemblyman David I. Weprin also lent their voices to the celebration. Ali Najmi, Esq., of the South Asian Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens (SAICBA-Q), highlighted Justice Syed’s trailblazing presence in the legal field.
The invocation was led by Imam Shamsi Ali of the Jamaica Muslim Center, grounding the ceremony in spiritual reflection. The event also honored the American and Bangladeshi national anthems, performed by New York State Court Officer Daniela Fernandez and artist Nazia Jahan, respectively.
In a heartfelt tribute, Justice Syed acknowledged her parents, Amina B. Syed and Aftab Uddin Syed, in a memorial message that emphasized their unwavering belief in education and community service. Her personal reflection echoed a quote from Poet Khalil Gibran: “I served and I saw that service is joy.”
Justice Syed’s induction marks a milestone not only in her professional journey but in the ongoing narrative of inclusion and representation within the American judicial system. Her story resonates with immigrants, women, and aspiring legal professionals across communities—an embodiment of service, perseverance, and progress.
