A leading Bangladeshi business figure in Queens has withdrawn his support for mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, citing deep concerns over the lawmaker’s backing of a bill to decriminalize prostitution.
Fahad Solaiman, General Secretary of the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association, has long been considered one of the most influential voices in New York’s Bangladeshi and South Asian communities. Solaiman explained that he initially supported Mamdani because of his advocacy on issues related to Palestine but later changed his position after learning more about the Assembly member’s policies.
“Legalizing sex work is tantamount to legitimizing human trafficking,” Solaiman emphasized, pointing to the visible presence of prostitution along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights. “If you walk down Roosevelt Avenue after dark, you will see many sex workers standing there.”
Mamdani, a socialist Democrat, co-sponsored legislation that seeks to legalize prostitution between consenting adults. He has described the proposal as a matter of justice, but the measure has drawn strong criticism from religious and community leaders who view prostitution as morally unacceptable.
Solaiman has now endorsed former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate for mayor. He organized a recent mosque visit for Cuomo, where community members and religious leaders voiced their support. “Prostitution is haram,” one local leader remarked, expressing concern about the impact of such policies on neighborhoods with churches, mosques, and schools.
Community members have also accused Mamdani of inconsistency, claiming he presents different identities depending on his audience. According to Solaiman, “When he comes to South Asian communities, he says he’s South Asian. When he goes to African American communities, he says he’s African. This guy doesn’t know what he is.”
Several South Asian leaders now feel overlooked, saying Mamdani has become less engaged with their community since winning the Democratic primary. They contend that their religious and family values—including opposition to prostitution, support for the Gifted and Talented and Specialized High Schools education programs, and rejection of certain socialist policies including boys in girls bathrooms—do not align with Mamdani’s platform. Mamdani did not disclose his support of these policies to the Muslim and South Asian communities.
As the general election approaches, analysts note that the growing discontent among Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Indian community leaders could influence voter turnout and reshape support within New York City’s South Asian electorate.
