Alam declares for McLaughlin’s Assembly seat

An active member in the Jamaica Hills community shortly after he moved here from Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1984, Morshed Alam wants to take another step forward in helping fellow residents - by being voted into public office.
Alam recently declared his candidacy to run as a democrat for the New York State Assembly’s 25th District seat that became vacant when Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin decided not to run for reelection. The Democratic Primary is Tuesday, September 12th.
Alan began his public service career in 1996, when he was elected to Community School Board 29. He was reelected in 1999, and has worked extremely hard to improve public school education, reduce class size and further develop school facilities.
An environmental scientist for the Department of Environmental Protection and a member of Local 375, DC 37 union, Alam founded the New Americans Democratic Club with the purpose of integrating new citizens into the borough’s civic and political life.
In 2001, he was appointed chairperson of the New American Committee for the Queens County Democratic Party and accompanied former President Bill Clinton to Bangladesh.
He is also the founder and president of the American Bangladesh Friendship Association, which helps the community with housing, job assistance, and medical referrals. He has also served as the Commissioner of Voter Assistance Commission of NYC since 2002.
Alam has worked with the NYPD Asian Advisory Council and various other community groups. A Jamaica Hills resident, Alam said he will focus his campaign on improving education and the many other issues such as healthcare and crime.
“I’m very confident because I know the community,” Alam said. “I work with people in the community, so that’s my strength. I’m pro-people; I understand the issues.”
Through this work, Alam ran for the New York State Senate’s 11th District against Senator Frank Padavan. Although he lost, Alam garnered 42% of the vote. So far, he’s already earned an endorsement from his union, District Council 37, and Senator Padavan.
“I think he’s an outstanding person and certainly has a strong record of achievement throughout the community,” Senator Padavan said. “I think he would do a good job.”