Shah J. Choudhury
Shah J. Choudhury
A powerful show of support signals shifting political winds among immigrant voters
New York | June 14, 2025: As the Democratic primary for New York City mayor approaches, a wave of enthusiasm is building in support of candidate Zohran Mamdani—and one of the most vocal groups backing him is the Bangladeshi-American community.
On Friday, June 13, a massive rally was held on 168th Street near the Jamaica Muslim Center, drawing hundreds of Bangladeshi New Yorkers to express their unwavering support for the progressive, young, and history-making candidate.
A Rising Candidate, A Rising Movement
Zohran Mamdani, currently one of the leading candidates in the upcoming June 24 Democratic primary, has gained momentum not only for his bold policies but for representing a new voice in city leadership. As the first Muslim candidate with a real shot at becoming mayor of New York City, his campaign is energizing communities that have long felt underrepresented.
Reports suggest Mamdani is closing in on—or even surpassing—former Governor Andrew Cuomo, his most prominent rival. Backed by influential progressives like Bernie Sanders, Mamdani’s campaign is focused on working-class issues, affordable housing, and community empowerment.
Mamdani’s Message: “New York is about to make history”
Speaking at the rally, Mamdani declared:
“New York City may be about to elect its first Muslim mayor—and that’s thanks to over 36,000 grassroots volunteers like you.”
He revealed that his campaign recently raised $8 million, calling it a record-breaking figure achieved in just a few days. He also criticized the opposition for attempting to suppress his candidacy:
“Andrew Cuomo and his Republican billionaire donors are spending millions to block our campaign because we’re close—just 2 percentage points behind. But they forget: New Yorkers can’t be bought. We don’t bend to money.”
Bangladeshi Community Comes Together
Organized under the banner “Jamaica for Zohran”, the event featured community leaders, religious scholars, professionals, and youth speakers. The Grand Marshal was renowned businessman Amir Khan, and the event was coordinated by JMC leaders Aftab Mannan and Fakhrul Islam Delowar.
Speakers included:
• Dr. Wahidur Rahman, Dr. Nazmul Khan, Dr. Mahmudur Rahman
• Imam Delwar Hossain, Imam Shamsi Ali, Mufti Abdul Malek
• Community leaders Shah Newaz, Gias Ahmed, Ataul Osmani, and more
• Students from the younger generation calling for inclusive leadership
All speakers strongly endorsed Mamdani’s candidacy and called on Bangladeshi-American voters to show up in full force on June 24.
A Historic Opportunity for Representation
Community members described this election as a historic moment in NYC’s 360-year journey—not just because of Mamdani’s background, but because of his ideas. His stance on Palestine, affordable groceries, free city transit, and immigrant protections were praised as “visionary and bold.”
Several speakers noted that in previous elections, Bangladeshi voters lacked a candidate they could fully identify with. This time, that has changed.
“We finally have a candidate who understands us—who is one of us,” one speaker said.
“Now is the time to make history. Let’s show our unity through the ballot box.”
The rally ended with a vibrant march through the streets of Jamaica, with chants of “Vote for Zohran!” echoing through the neighborhood.
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