Staff Reporter: Eric Adams, newly elected mayor of New York City was shocked to hear for unexpected and slapping question of an expatriate. He was first time participation of expatriate Bangladeshis in New York. At the inauguration of the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association (JBBA) Giash-Tarek-led organization Mayor Eric was embarrassed by the unexpected and slapping question of an expatriate.
Amin Mehedi Babu General Secretary of the Bangladeshi American Society and a member of the Community Board embarrassed New York City Mayor Eric Adams by questioning him at the JBBA’s colorful inauguration ceremony at the World’s Fair Marina in Queens on February 11. There was a mixed reaction at the venue.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was the chief guest at the event. After the arrival of the mayor in the ceremony, spontaneity appeared in everyone. The organizers took the mayor to the stage after appearing at the ceremony. Then he spoke. In the last part of the mayor’s speech, Amin Mehedi Babu asked about the recent murder of Modassar Khandaker in Ozone Park. He wants to know from the mayor why you or your office are silent on the issue of my expatriate brother being shot dead by miscreants, Why are you or your office silent about this? In response Mayor Eric Adams said, “Inviting me here and asking such questions is like slapping me.” He was embarrassed to ask the mayor such an unexpected and slapping question. Mayor Eric Adams said, “We are working together to improve the overall law and order situation in the city.” At this time he sought the cooperation of Bangladeshis and said I will always be by your side.
Note that,This is the first time Eric Adams has attended an event in the Bangladeshi or South Asian community since taking over as mayor. Expatriate Bangladeshis, including JBBA officials, were overjoyed to receive the mayor. Police are working hard to nab the accused in the murder of Bangladeshi Modassar Khandaker. The mayor advised not to ask such questions again.
Many of the organizers became angry with Amin Mehedi Babu in response to unexpected questions to the mayor. Many have rebuked him. He is not a member of JBBA and was not even invited to the event. JBBA officials said he attended the event as a general visitor. Later the JBBA leaders explained the matter to the mayor separately and apologized to him.
BP/SM
