Bangladeshi American Shahana first Muslim woman elected to NY City Council

Bangladeshi American Shahana Hanif has made history by becoming the first Muslim woman elected to the New York City Council.

Shahana won the election held in Brooklyn yesterday from Council District-39. She received 89 percent of the total votes, according to the Board of Election Office. Her only opponent of the Conservative Party received 8 percent of the vote.

Shahana's ancestral home is in Chattogram's Fatikchhari upazila. Eldest daughter of Mohammad Hanif -- one of the United States Awami League's advisers, Shahana has long been involved in politics in Brooklyn.

She is known as a representative of the progressive youths in politics.

"I'm elated and honoured to be the first female Muslim member in New York City Council's history, as well as the first woman to win in District 39," Shahana said in a statement after learning of her victory last night.

"We want to create a city that protects its most vulnerable, a city that has equitable education, a city invested in climate solutions that are local and driven by communities, a city where our migrant neighbours feel heard and safe," she said.

"Even if the election is over, we must all continue to show up for this task, Shahana said, adding that "We will all work together to build a feminist and anti-racist city."

She also urged people to put their differences aside and work together.

Shahana's victory marks a significant milestone, as no other representative of the Bangladeshi community has been able to make significant progress so far.

As a result, the news of Shahana Hanif's victory brought joy to the expatriates. Everyone congratulated Shahana and wished her well, regardless of political affiliation.

Meanwhile, Eric Adams was elected to the position of city mayor. He will be the city's second African-American mayor in its history.