Waqfs can be a way out for Bosnia's economy

Director of the Waqf Directorate of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Senaid Zajimović, stated in an interview with the Bosnian news agency Patria (NAP) that waqfs in Bosnia and Herzegovina should serve not only the Islamic Community of BiH but can also contribute to improving the overall economic situation in the country.

Zajimović reveals that the Waqf Directorate has already initiated some concrete measures to harness the enormous potential that waqfs possess.

Since last year, it has launched a project to plant deficit crops such as hazelnuts, walnuts, and sour cherries, which will be marketed on domestic and foreign markets.

- All peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina have always been hardworking and industrious. Unfortunately, this has changed significantly in recent years. We definitely must work on restoring work habits to our people - said Zajimović.

He emphasized that 90 percent of high-quality waqf property is still in the hands of the state, entities, or cantons, but he hopes this will change and that the waqfs will be returned to their original and rightful owner.

Over the weekend, the Assembly of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina entrusted Zajimović with another four-year term at the head of this directorate, highlighting his previous successful work. (aa)