Hafiz Salkanović from Zvornik: We are aware that our promised land is Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Patria) - The chief imam of the Islamic Community (MIZ) Zvornik, hafiz Izet-ef. Salkanović, on the occasion of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day, said that it is our obligation to continue building the country, and that the people of Podrinje should be an example in this regard.

„One of the greatest and most significant dates in the thousand-year history of our homeland is March 1st, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day. On March 1st, 1992, the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina was officially restored, but even before that date, Bosnia and Herzegovina was a land, a state, sometimes more - sometimes less, sometimes smaller - sometimes larger. Both before and today, many have fought over this piece of land. Strange and difficult events have happened in this country,” stated hafiz Salkanović.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day is traditionally celebrated in the smaller
Bosnian-Herzegovinian entity, on the banks of the Drina River, in the Podrinje town of
Zvornik.

„And indeed, no one should, and must not, talk to the people of Podrinje about patriotism! They are very aware of it, and aware of the fact that love for faith means love for the homeland. Unfortunately, Bosniaks are the ones who have paid and are paying the highest price for this independence! But likewise, as Bosniaks, Muslims, we are aware that our promised land is Bosnia and Herzegovina, we have no other homeland, and we do not want one,” he said.

He reminded that in the past armed aggression against the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, many gave their lives, „so that we could enjoy the freedom and rights we enjoy today”.

„As much as we are saddened when we remember all our martyrs, we cannot but express our gratitude and pride for those who built themselves into the foundations of this beautiful country. Preserving the memory of our martyrs and ghazis is both our duty and obligation. I would dare to say that the people of Podrinje are among the greatest patriots of their homeland, who express their patriotism in a humane, cultural, and civilized way.

In a way that does not endanger the rights of other people and nations. A good Muslim means being a patriot. And all of this together means being a good believer,” said the chief imam of MIZ
Zvornik. He emphasized that „we must work on ourselves and on improving our condition”, because „none of us is so good that they cannot be better”.

„But the foundations were 'built' for us by our good ancestors, and it is up to us and the younger generations and those who will come after us to continue building and beautifying this beautiful structure. May the people of Podrinje be an example for us in this! We congratulate all Bosnians and Herzegovinians on March 1st - Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day. We ask the Almighty Lord to strengthen our faith and responsibility for the entrusted matters and obligations, and to increase our love for our homeland. May He preserve our homeland for all those who love it and who wish to live in it in freedom and peace,” hafiz Izet-ef. Salkanović said in an interview with the MINA Agency.