Critics lash out at councilmember

Councilmember Nayeem Choudhury

By Charles Sercombe
Former city clerk Rana (Faraj) Allen is hitting back at Councilmember Nayeem Choudhury’s criticism of her.
And, once again, the spat is being played out mostly on social media.
It all began with what Choudhury told the Detroit News about his thoughts on Allen.
“She was not a good person as she should be as a human being. Job is not authoritarian, should be respected, due diligence and integrity.”
Choudhury also lashed out at two residents: Diana Elizabeth, who he called a “fake bitch,” and, in another social media post, political rival Kamal Rahman, who he referred to as a “douchebag.”
Allen provided a lengthy response to Choudhury, and she did not hold back, saying:
“This is the same man who used to pop his head into the Clerk’s Office when I was dealing with two councilmen’s residency issues with the ‘thank you for all you do, we all know they don’t live here, we’ve got your back’ speech.
“Real supportive, real bold… behind closed doors. Then that same day, he hops on the podium during public comment acting brand new:
‘Do we even have enough evidence to hold against them?!’
“Sir… pick a personality.
“He plays both sides like it’s a full-time job. Whatever keeps him safe, whatever keeps him liked. Too scared to stand on what he actually knows because he’s worried about losing favor with the Bangladeshi community and their votes.
“Let’s not forget the calls either. Complaining that my deputy wouldn’t let him ‘help’ residents vote and calling him rude because he wouldn’t bend the rules for him. Translation: he was mad he couldn’t get away with cheating.
“He knows damn well I ran a fair, clean election. He said it himself. Just not where it counted.
“But now suddenly I’m ‘not a good person’? Please. The only thing consistent about him is the switch-up.”
The Review reached out to Choudhury for comment but he did not respond, nor has he responded to earlier attempts to reach him.

Allen was fired by the city after 37 absentee ballots were found uncounted after the November election, and also when a punching bag with the photo of mayoral candidate Muhith Mahmood attached to it was found in her office during November’s election.
Allen has responded with a lawsuit filed against the city, seeking monetary damages.
Posted April 3, 2026