Ef. Smajić: It is a sin for Bosniaks to give up property in Republika Srpska

It is a sin for Bosniaks to give up their property in Republika Srpska, and the Islamic Community of BiH will make every effort through its communities in the diaspora to encourage these people to at least visit and maintain their properties in that BiH entity once a year, said the Deputy Reis-ul-ulema of BiH Husein ef. Smajić for the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

In the last few years, the authorities in Republika Srpska have adopted a set of laws that allow them to legally seize Bosniak property. These laws, among other things, stipulate that if the owners of real estate in RS do not appear within the timeframe requested by the competent institutions, the property can be confiscated from them.

RS authorities can also confiscate property if owners do not pay taxes on time.

Smajić says it is not good for Bosniaks to be indifferent towards their property and let it decay.

- This is especially not good where people have been driven from their homes. At least once a year, during their vacation, they must return to their properties, maintain them, or let someone use that property - said ef. Smajić.

He says that the Islamic Community in BiH is conducting a strong campaign to protect Bosniaks and their property in Republika Srpska, but it is very important for Bosniaks to also show interest and care about that property, writes the Patria agency.

- We have the most problems with Bosniaks who have been abroad for a long time, those whose children are abroad and who have their own plans regarding staying outside the borders of BiH - warned ef. Smajić.

- Such Bosniaks most often do not show interest in their property located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially not in that located in Republika Srpska - he added, writes Patria.