New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist of Ugandan-Indian descent, has appointed nine prominent Bangladeshi Americans to his inaugural transition committee as he prepares to become the city’s first Muslim mayor on January 1, 2026. Elected on November 4, 2025, in a landslide victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani received nearly 98% of votes from New York City’s Bangladeshi Muslim population, crediting their grassroots mobilization for his success. This historic appointment underscores the growing political influence of the Bangladeshi diaspora in U.S. urban politics, marking a rare and prestigious recognition for the community.

The transition team comprises over 400 advisors across 17 specialized committees, including new additions like Worker Justice and Community Organizing, aimed at tackling affordability crises such as housing, childcare, transportation, and economic development. Co-chaired by an all-female leadership including FTC Chair Lina Khan and former City Hall officials Grace Bonilla, Maria Torres-Springer, and Melanie Hartzog, the team has already received 70,000 job applications and focuses on rebuilding trust through diverse expertise from labor, nonprofits, academia, and business.

The Bangladeshi appointees, selected for their expertise in civil society, law enforcement, and community advocacy, include: Kazi Fouzia, a leader in the Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM) organization focused on immigrant rights; Abdul Aziz Bhuiya, a noted community organizer; Shamshul Haq, former police officer and affiliate of the Bangladeshi American Police Association; Mohammad Karim Chowdhury, general secretary of the Association of Small Landowners Bangladesh (ASAL); Fariha Akhtar, advocate with the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence (CAAAV); Arman Chowdhury CPA, a financial expert; Shah Rehman, community leader; Tajin Azad, youth organizer; and Shyamtoli Haq, social services professional. These individuals contribute to committees on Worker Justice, Community Safety, Immigrant Justice, and others, reflecting their qualifications in addressing urban challenges faced by working-class and immigrant communities.

Analysis of the full roster reveals broader South Asian representation, with 11 Pakistanis (including Imran Pasha) and 16 Indians (10 Punjabis and 4 Indo-Caribbeans) identified among the members, highlighting Mamdani’s commitment to inclusive governance. Mamdani emphasized that these appointments embody his “affordability agenda,” promising swift action on 17,000 city vacancies and policy reforms to support vulnerable New Yorkers, from taxi workers to tenants. As the city anticipates a new era, this diverse team signals a shift toward progressive, community-driven leadership in the nation’s largest metropolis.