In a shocking turn of events, a leading Bangladeshi businessman from Queens is unequivocally denouncing socialist lawmaker Zohran Mamdani, a once-cherished ally. Fahad Solaiman, a prominent figure in the community, is urging his neighbors to reject Mamdani’s dangerously misguided policies, particularly those that would pave the way for prostitution and human trafficking in our neighborhoods.
“Supporting prostitution means supporting human trafficking,” Solaiman stated, a stark message emerging from the notorious sex-worker hub of Roosevelt Avenue. This is not just a local issue — it’s a moral crisis that deserves our attention.
The influential businessman has not just voiced concerns; he is taking action. He is openly endorsing former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the race for mayor, rallying members of his mosque to join him in this vital effort. “Come over here in the evening after eight o’clock, and you will see the reality of Roosevelt Avenue. It is not safe,” he declared, striking at the core of the issue.
Solaiman stands as the general secretary of the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association, and he recently attended a mosque service where he urged the congregation to support Cuomo over Mamdani. His disillusionment with Mamdani is profound, stemming from a once-shared belief based on the latter’s stance on Palestine. Yet, as the campaign has evolved, so too has Solaiman’s perspective.
“The more we see of Mamdani, the more his hypocrisy is evident,” Solaiman asserted. His strong condemnation reflects a growing unease among constituents regarding Mamdani’s soft stance on critical issues like prostitution.
Mamdani, himself a Muslim, has co-sponsored legislation aiming to decriminalize prostitution among consenting adults. However, his ambiguity on the issue has raised alarms. This is not the leadership our city needs.
Gathering alongside Cuomo at the mosque, community leaders rallied for a unified call to action against Mamdani, who trails Cuomo by 20 points in recent polls. Imam Qazi Qayyoon emphatically endorsed Cuomo, expressing a commitment to heal rather than divide our city.
The crux of concern from Cuomo’s supporters is Mamdani’s proposal to resurrect former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s policy that would effectively decriminalize sex work. Since taking office, Mamdani has consistently advocated for this path, indicating a troubling disregard for public safety.
While Mamdani attempts to position his policy as a matter of justice, it clashes with the fundamental tenets of Islamic morality, which openly condemn such practices. Solaiman cuts to the heart of the matter: “He speaks one way to South Asians and another to African Americans; he is insincere and lacks a true identity.”
Cuomo is leveraging this growing discontent as his campaign struggles to gain traction post-primary. It’s clear that the tide is turning, and with concerted efforts like Solaiman’s, our community is poised to reject the failed policies of the past.
A spokesman for Mamdani has refused to comment, but the silence speaks volumes. The choice before us is clear: We must support leadership that values safety, community, and integrity. The future of our city depends on it.
