Mahfuzur Rahman : On Sunday, April 25, 2021, the Rise Up New York, which is a group of Bangladeshi American professionals, endorsed Eric Adams for the New York City Mayoral candidate, which is scheduled for June 22, 2021. The event took place at the Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights. Despite the rain, approximately 80 community members showed up to the meeting.
This endorsement comes after the members of the Rise Up New York met with Mr. Adams in person and in several Zoom meetings over a period of time. The attendees liked his public safety, economic, educational, and housing policies.
Mr. Adams is a front runner and is waging a competitive campaign in New York City. Among several candidates, he raised one of the highest campaign contributions for his candidacy. He has galvanized widespread support from all different economic, ethnic and religious groups of people.
Mr. Adams was born in New York City and attended public schools. He did not come from a wealthy family. Prior to running for Mayor, Mr. Adams served for more than 20 years in the New York City Police Department and rose up to the rank of Captain. Upon retirement, he served as a State Senator from Brooklyn, and is currently serving as the Brooklyn Borough President since 2013.
While serving in different capacities over the years, he has attended numerous social events with the Muslim community both in private and in public, spoke during the Jumma Prayers at various masjids, met thousands of Bangladeshis, and became very close to the community. Therefore, it is not surprising that the community members are rising to support his candidacy.
One of the Rise Up New York co-founders, Shamsul Haque, stated “Mr. Adams is an unusually talented leader, an experienced professional, and a true New Yorker. He has the knowledge and experience to reform the criminal justice system and keep New York City safe.” During his remarks, when Mr. Haque chanted “Amar Bhai tumar Bhai,” the crowd roared back with “Eric Bhai, Eric Bhai.” The chanting continued with phrases like “Eric bhaiermarkaki, shothothacharaarki.”
During his speech, Mr. Adams stated that he is not a “new friend”, he is an “old friend” of the Bangladeshi community. Mr. Adams stated, “our City is in the midst of a pandemic that has truly exposed the depths of inequality that are plaguing us.” Mr. Adams believes that our City must work for everyone including Bangladeshis–not just the wealthy and well-connected.
In regards to public safety, Mr. Adams stated shooting incidents are increasing in New York City and he knows that people do not feel safe at home or on the street. He said, “we cannot allow crime to spread and I will lead the fight for a safer New York.”
One of the speakers, a former congressional candidate, and businessman, Mizanoor Chowdhury, stated “public safety is paramount to all New Yorkers.”
In addition to public safety, Mr. Adams said he knows that real security is an economic issue. He said he’ll ensure real access to affordable housing, good public schools, quality healthcare, and good-paying jobs.
Mr. Adams' sentiment is shared by young leaders from the Bangladeshi community. Khairul Islam (Kukon) said, “We need a mayor who knows how to balance a budget, who understands the urgency of delivering all the services that a great city like NYC needs, and who understands the needs of the working-class families.”
Mr. Adams is not the only candidate who is campaigning in the Bangladeshi community. Recently, Scott Stringer, Andrew Yang, and Raymond McGuire have been attempting to cultivate a relationship with the community.
One of the speakers, who is a community leader and businessman, Mr. Shah Newaz, stated, “Eric is an old friend of the Bangladeshi community.” He said he will work hard to get Mr. Adams elected.
Although Mr. Yang appears to be leading in polls, many political analysts believe that he does not have any organizational structure or tangible support from the communities.
This election is not going to be an easy feat. However, since many New Yorkers don't vote in primary elections, Mr. Juhaib Choudhury, one of the strongest supporters of Mr. Adams stated, “only a few thousandvotes can change the outcome of the election.” He believes the Muslim community, and in particular the Bangladeshis, can deliver the necessary votes to get Mr. Adams elected. He rephrases a famous quote: “What Bengal thinks today, the world thinks tomorrow.” Mr. Choudhury urged all Bangladeshis to come out and vote for Mr. Adams on the June 22nd.
