Manarat Alumni

Abbas Mandal

Manarat School

Nov 08, 2025

Zohran Mamdani-The First Muslim Mayor of New York




Zohran  Mamdani- vecomes mayor of new york,uSA,


Congratulations to Zohran Mamdani — The Mayor of New York City

A year ago, almost nobody knew Zohran Mamdani internationally. Then suddenly, a YouTube video started circulating where Mamdani humorously credited “Bangladeshi aunties…” for his campaign energy.

He looked charismatic, honest, and spoke in a frank, refreshing manner.

This made his rise even more surprising — he was running for Mayor of New York City, the financial capital of the US and the world.


Why Is New York the Economic Capital of the World?

New York’s economic influence begins with early institutions like the Bank of Pennsylvania (1790), which helped finance the American Revolutionary War. But the modern numbers speak for themselves:

  • Home to 43 Fortune 500 companies

  • A $2 trillion economy (Financial Times)

  • Population: approx. 8.5 million people

  • 45% of NYC’s labor force is foreign-born

“When you put it all together, New York City has the talent, the diversity, and the culture.”

It is a city where ideas grow. Even something like a visionary public library — “The House of Wisdom” — could thrive here.

According to Statista, New York’s GDP is $1.83 trillion (2024).


Zohran Mamdani’s Education

  • Bronx High School of Science

  • Bowdoin College, Maine (Graduation)

Both of his parents studied at Harvard University.


His Mother — Mira Nair

Origins: Orissa, India. Punjabi.


Mira Nair, a well-known film maker from India originally who  I have heard of her some 20 years ago made meaningful films and documentaries. 

Profession: Filmmaker of global acclaim

Her films include:

  • Jama Masjid Street Journal

  • Mississippi Masala

  • Salam Bombay

  • The Perez Family

  • Monsoon Wedding

  • Queen of Katwe

Education – Mira Nair

  • Miranda College, Delhi (Sociology)

  • Harvard University (Film)

Mira Nair has openly acknowledged being inspired by Satyajit Ray, the legendary Bengali filmmaker.

She said:

“I saw the Apu Trilogy over and over again… that started my dialogue with Manikda, with Satyajit Ray.”

Source: The Times of India

This connection explains how Zohran Mamdani naturally spoke Bengali during rallies —
“Amar Bhai, Tomar Bhai” → “Amar Mayor, Tomar Mayor.”


His Father — Mahmood Mamdani

Origins: Gujarat
Born: British India (Bombay, 1946)
Raised: Kampala, Uganda
Profession: Anthropologist, academic, commentator

Education

  • Islamic School, Uganda

  • Government Indian Primary School

  • Old Kampala Secondary School

  • University of Pittsburgh

  • Harvard University (Masters & PhD)

His book “Good Muslim, Bad Muslim” gained international attention, mentioned by Dr. Yasir Qadhi.

From him, Zohran inherits much of his charisma and intellectual clarity.


Manarat Jeddah Connections

Interestingly, a Manarat Jeddah School alumnus once served as Chief of Staff at the White House (2008) — a fact highlighted by Habiba Hamid, another distinguished Manarat alumna.

Habiba wrote: an article several; years ago


“Graduates left Saudi Arabia to excel in their fields — Ivy League PhDs, diplomats, policy makers…”


Habiba Hamid — Manarat Alumna & Former Newsweek Journalist 


Habiba Hamid is a respected journalist, media strategist, and communications professional.


At Newsweek, she contributed:

  • deeply researched global political stories

  • cultural analyses

  • high-level reporting

  • editorial insights

Her multicultural upbringing at Manarat Jeddah School shaped her worldview, making her an articulate global voice.


The Bengali Community in New York

New York is home to the largest Bangladeshi-origin community in the United States.

They played a significant role in Mamdani’s campaign.

Two Bangladeshi-origin Americans recently elected:

  • Soma Syed — first Bangladeshi-American judge in NYC

  • Shahana K. Hanif — New York City Council Member


Bangladesh — A Country of Opportunity

With Mayor Zohran Mamdani now leading New York City, a historic opportunity emerges for expanded Bangladesh–NY trade relations.

Bangladesh excels in:

  • Textiles and fashion

  • Sustainable leather

  • Handicrafts

  • Agro-products

  • Digital services & IT outsourcing

NYC is the perfect gateway to global markets.


Trail Blazer Solutions — Our Contribution

Backed by a strong network of Manarat alumni, Trail Blazer Solutions sees enormous potential in deepening Bangladesh–NY trade.

We proudly volunteered during Mamdani’s campaign, mobilizing the Bangladeshi community because we believed in his vision for inclusive economic justice.

Our Services

  • Web development, UI/UX design

  • Software development

  • Digital marketing

  • Graphic design

  • Digital branding & positioning

  • Buyer–supplier networking

  • Cultural & diaspora engagement

  • “Brand Bangladesh” promotion


Why Bangladesh–NY Trade Matters Under Mayor Mamdani

1. Fast-Growing Consumer Market

NYC consumers increasingly seek:

  • Bangladeshi fashion & textiles

  • Leather goods

  • Handcrafted décor

  • Herbal & wellness items

  • Books and cultural products

Bangladesh excels in all these sectors.


2. Digital & Creative Outsourcing

Bangladesh offers:

  • Software development

  • Web & UI/UX design

  • Digital marketing

  • Media content

  • Affordable back-office solutions

Great advantages for NYC startups and SMEs.


3. Policy Support & NYC-Level Visibility

Under Mamdani’s leadership, NYC can:

  • Support minority-owned businesses

  • Host Bangladesh trade expos

  • Improve procurement access

  • Promote BD–NY cultural-economic partnerships

This aligns with his progressive economic vision.


A Collaborative Path Forward

We believe Mayor Mamdani’s administration can help:

  • Establish Bangladesh trade/cultural festivals

  • Support Bangladeshi small-business grants

  • Promote Bangladesh’s sustainable manufacturing image

  • Connect BD exporters to NYC retail & tech

  • Strengthen diaspora-led entrepreneurship

With coordinated effort, Bangladesh–New York trade can reach unprecedented heights, benefiting both regions.


— Manarat Alumni
Trail Blazer Solutions


Sources



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