MD Rahman

Senator MD Rahman was elected by a wide margin in 2022 to represent Andover, Bolton, Glastonbury, and Manchester. He immigrated to the United States over two decades ago with little more than the American Dream in his back pocket. Starting with several minimum-wage jobs at restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels.

It was not easy for a skinny immigrant with a thick accent, however, Senator Rahman lived by a saying he learned from his mother — “it is not a question of how many times you fall down, it is a quest of how many times you get back up.”

Today, he is the CEO of multiple businesses in the healthcare, construction, and real estate investment industries. Senator Rahman has created over 5,000 jobs in Connecticut and holds a degree in Business and Accounting.

Senator Rahman donates his Senate salary to nonprofit organizations in his district.

In the state legislature, Senator Rahman serves as the Senate chair of the Planning and Development Committee, where he plays a pivotal role in promoting housing development across the state.

Throughout his first term, Senator Rahman has advocated for policies to empower municipalities with tools to repeal Connecticut’s unpopular motor vehicle property tax. In 2023, he led a task force that explored strategies for eliminating the tax while maintaining fiscal stability for towns and cities.

Additionally, he has been a staunch advocate for local agriculture and has pushed for tax breaks to benefit the farms that play an integral part in the charm and heritage of the 4th State Senate District.

Senator Rahman’s influence extends well beyond his legislative duties.

Manchester voters elected MD to serve on the town’s Board of Selectmen in 2023. He is a member of the Governor’s Hate Crime Advisory Council and has previously served on the 2020 CT Census Advisory Board, the Manchester Charter Revision Commission, and the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals.

Senator Rahman also holds positions on the executive board of the Central CT Chamber of Commerce and is Vice Chair of the Central CT Education Foundation. He founded the Centennial Lions Club and co-chaired the Connecticut Asian American and Pacific Island Caucus.

Senator Rahman’s passion for community service led him to found the Bangladesh Bhaban Community Center in 2021. This Manchester-based organization offers classes for residents wishing to learn English as a second language, community services like rent assistance workshops, citizenship preparation classes, and served as a vaccination clinic during the pandemic. The center also combats food insecurity by distributing thousands of food boxes.

Senator Rahman’s philanthropic efforts have earned him multiple accolades, including congressional recognition from Congressman John Larson for his extensive community service, and a state excellence award from Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz for his response during the pandemic and his non-profit work.

Additional recognitions include awards from the Manchester Board of Directors, the Secretary of the State’s Office, the Lions Club, the Federation of Bangladeshi Association of North America, and the Bangladesh Christian Association of Connecticut.

Other officials and organizations to award Senator Rahman with commendations and recognition include U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the Hajigonj Welfare Association, the Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition, and Governor Ned Lamont.

During his first term, Senator Rahman received an “Honor Roll” grade from the Connecticut Education Association, based on his voting record in support of Connecticut students and teachers.

Senator Rahman lives in Manchester with his wife, Yelena, and their three children.