This is a new BNP – one that promotes knowledge-based, policy-based politics: Saimum Parvez

Saimum Parvez is a special assistant to the BNP Chairman's Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee and a member of the BNP Central Election Steering Committee. He has a distinguished academic career and has had active political involvement following the 2024 mass uprising. He has been a vocal advocate for democratic reform and civic nationalism in the lead-up to the 2026 parliamentary elections.

He is a senior researcher at the MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society in Norway and was previously a senior lecturer at North South University in Bangladesh. A Fulbright Scholar, Saimum holds a PhD from the University of Sydney. He gave an exclusive interview to The Business Standard, speaking with Akram Hossen and Anonno Afroz.

TBS: Although you are a nationally known figure, for the convenience of our readers, we would like to restate that you are a researcher, a teacher, and currently an active politician. Among these multiple identities, how do you prefer to introduce yourself?

Saimum Parvez: At this moment, I consider my identity as a politician to be the most important. Although I have been involved in research and teaching for a long time, I have taught at universities both at home and abroad.

However, I have always tried to ensure that my academic work and educational qualifications remain Bangladesh-centric, so that they can contribute to improving the lives of the people of Bangladesh at some point.

I prioritise my political identity because I have taken a conscious decision that the BNP is currently the most suitable political party – one that genuinely thinks in terms of policy and wants to improve people's living standards. I believe my expertise can be most effectively utilised by working with the BNP, and that is why I see this as my most important identity.

TBS: A significant part of your academic research focuses on digital media, counterterrorism, and the nature of state power. As a researcher, how do you assess Bangladesh within this framework?

Saimum Parvez: Bangladesh faces numerous challenges in improving people's living standards and establishing itself as a significant actor in global politics. One of the most urgent needs is economic recovery. Over the last 15 years, we have seen a predatory economic system, and reversing that damage is critical.

BNP's core policies focus on key sectors – health, environment, family cards, farmer cards, sports, employment, and education. These policy-based changes are essential for addressing Bangladesh's real challenges.

TBS: Despite this academic path, you chose to engage directly in politics. How did you make that decision?

Saimum Parvez: I have been interested in politics since the beginning. My family has long been involved in politics, and my father was politically active for many years.

My academic background – whether my PhD, Master's, undergraduate studies in international relations in Bangladesh, or political science and international security abroad – has always complemented politics. My final research focused on how digital media, technology, and religious identity influence society and politics.

All of this is highly relevant for Bangladesh. My academic work never distanced me from politics; rather, it prepared me for it.

TBS: How difficult was it to maintain a balance between academic neutrality and political positioning?

Saimum Parvez: It was challenging. Academic work requires neutrality, but history sometimes demands taking a position. Over the past 15-17 years, Bangladesh has experienced a fascist period, followed by the rise of another authoritarian force after 5 August.

Neutrality does not mean ignoring injustice. My position has always been clear – standing with the people. Because of this clarity, my academic work and political engagement never conflicted; they complemented each other.

TBS: You currently hold several important responsibilities within the BNP. How have you managed these roles?

Saimum Parvez: In a large political party, many capable individuals exist, but during crises, reinforcement is needed. While abroad, I contributed mainly to foreign policy. Before elections, I worked on campaign management and content generation.

We introduced people-centred, organic content strategies – encouraging citizens to create content themselves. For example, our Reels Competition generated around 2,200 reels without any financial expenditure. This participatory approach was central to our campaign philosophy.

TBS: How did your academic background help shape BNP's political narratives and content?

Saimum Parvez: Credibility is essential in political communication. Our opponents relied heavily on rumours and misinformation. My academic experience in political communication taught me the importance of trust-building.

Instead of countering misinformation with misinformation, we focused on policy-based truth. This approach strengthened public trust.

TBS: Did you contribute to the party's election manifesto? If so, in which areas?

Saimum Parvez: Yes. I worked particularly on environmental policy, renewable energy, and, to some extent, defence-related issues. Bangladesh is among the countries that are the most vulnerable to climate change, and environmental policy is crucial for our future.

TBS: You have worked closely with Tarique Rahman. How would you evaluate his leadership?

Saimum Parvez: I consider him a visionary leader. His greatest strength is his genuine concern for ordinary people, especially the poor. He has shifted focus from purely infrastructure-based development to human-centred development.

Policies such as family cards, farmer cards, canal restoration, planting 25 crore trees, and reforms in health, education, and employment reflect a long-term vision for Bangladesh.

Importantly, he is not vindictive. Despite personal sufferings, he advocates a forward-looking, inclusive approach to nation-building.

TBS: Is today's BNP qualitatively different from the BNP of the past?

Saimum Parvez: Yes. This is a new BNP – one that promotes knowledge-based and policy-based politics. Unlike our opponents, who focused on negative campaigning, the BNP prioritised positive, policy-driven narratives aimed at improving people's lives.

TBS: How does BNP plan to engage the younger generation?

Saimum Parvez: Youth make up the largest demographic in Bangladesh. The BNP plans to create employment opportunities, reform education, introduce third-language learning, and promote culture.

Our goal is to combine the experience of senior leaders with the energy of youth to build a new Bangladesh.

TBS: As a member of the Election Steering Committee, what was your experience during the campaign?

Saimum Parvez: Our biggest challenge was combating misinformation and disinformation, including AI-generated fake content. We made a principled decision not to respond with falsehoods but with facts and policies.

The public responded positively, especially to initiatives like family and farmer cards.

TBS: After forming the government, what will be BNP's priorities in the first 100 days?

Saimum Parvez: Our focus will be on our eight core policies: education, health, environment, family cards, farmer cards, sports, employment, and improving the livelihoods of religious leaders.

Extensive groundwork has already been completed, and the first 100 days will set the foundation for the next five years.

TBS: What principles will guide the formation of the new cabinet?

Saimum Parvez: The cabinet will be smaller and merit-based, combining experienced and young leaders capable of implementing our vision efficiently while reducing state expenditure.

TBS: With Ramadan approaching, how will the BNP address rising commodity prices?

Saimum Parvez: The BNP will take strong action against syndicates and corruption to ensure essential goods remain affordable during Ramadan.

TBS: What is BNP's long-term plan for leadership development?

Saimum Parvez: The BNP aims to build a youth-driven leadership framework with strong female representation – not symbolic, but real and substantive participation.

TBS: Given your research on hybrid regimes, how can democracy be restored in Bangladesh?

Saimum Parvez: The 12 February election marked a major democratic transition. Democracy requires both freedom of expression and civic responsibility. We must balance tolerance with accountability to ensure democratic progress.

TBS: What are BNP's priorities regarding state reform, elections, economy, and foreign policy?

Saimum Parvez: State reform aligns with our long-standing 31-point agenda. Our foreign policy will be Bangladesh-first, prioritising national interest while maintaining constructive relations with neighbours.

Economically, we will recover laundered funds, dismantle oligarchic control, and empower genuine domestic entrepreneurs.

TBS: What was the biggest lesson in your journey from researcher to politician?

Saimum Parvez: Bangladeshis are resilient. Given even small opportunities, they can transform their lives. Seeing how authoritarian neglect held back such a promising nation compelled me to enter politics and contribute directly.

TBS: What message do you have for young people who fear or distrust politics?

Saimum Parvez: Politics shapes every aspect of your life – from food prices to education and the environment. There is no escaping politics.

If young people disengage, it creates space for those who exploit politics for harm. To change society and improve one's own life, understanding and engaging with politics is essential.