Controversy Surrounds Zohran Mamdani's Transition Team Member Over Anti-NYPD Remarks

Kazi Fouzia, a member of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team, has come under scrutiny for her past remarks criticizing South Asians who celebrate relatives joining the New York Police Department (NYPD). In a 2020 discussion titled “What’s App: Our Role in Black Liberation Movements,” Fouzia, who is the director of organizing at the South Asian immigrant-rights nonprofit Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM), labeled these relatives as potential “killers.” Her comments resurfaced amid ongoing tensions between the Bangladeshi community and the NYPD, particularly following the murder of Officer Didarul Islam in July 2025.

The Bangladeshi community in New York has a complex relationship with the NYPD, particularly in light of recent events. Officer Didarul Islam, a member of this community, was shot and killed, prompting a wave of grief and reflection on the role of law enforcement. Mohammad Ali, general secretary of the Bangladeshi American Society, expressed pride in the police, stating, “We are proud. We always support the police,” while acknowledging that there are “a few bad apples” among officers.

Fouzia's comments have sparked backlash, particularly from those within the Bangladeshi community who feel her statements undermine their pride in family members serving in law enforcement. Critics argue that her remarks reflect a broader disdain for the aspirations of South Asian families. An investigative analyst from the conservative-leaning Manhattan Institute remarked that Fouzia’s views seem contradictory to the mission of “Worker Justice” she represents on Mamdani’s team.

Zohran Mamdani has previously faced criticism for his statements about the NYPD, calling the department “racist” and a “major threat to public safety” in 2020. However, he later apologized during his mayoral campaign, indicating a shift in his approach to law enforcement. The Mamdani transition team has not issued a formal response to the resurfaced comments from Fouzia, and her remarks have drawn attention to the ongoing debate about police relations within marginalized communities.

While some community leaders support the NYPD, others, like Fouzia, advocate for a more critical stance towards policing. This division highlights a broader conflict within the Bangladeshi community regarding law enforcement and social justice, with varying opinions on the role of police in their neighborhoods.

• “What are you proud for? That your relative would become a killer one day, or brutally beat our people?” — Kazi Fouzia, Director of Organizing at DRUM.

• “If this is what ‘Worker Justice’ sounds like, it is less about helping working people and more about policing what they are allowed to aspire to.” — Stu Smith, Investigative Analyst, Manhattan Institute.

• “I love the NYPD.” — Mohammad Ali, General Secretary of the Bangladeshi American Society.

This controversy surrounding Fouzia's remarks and the implications for Mamdani's administration underscore the complexities of community identity and policing in New York City.