Promotion of the monograph "Memories of Husejin Smajlović"

In the amphitheater of the Faculty of Metallurgy and Technology of the University of Zenica, in the organization of the University of Zenica and BZK "Preporod" and as part of the celebration of the Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the promotion of a monograph dedicated to the mayor of Zenica, Husejin Smajlović, took place. The book is compiled from the memories of people who knew him from the local to the global level.

The rector of the University of Zenica, Jusuf Duraković, who supported the realization of this idea, said that the development of Zenica was the reason for writing this work so that his character and work would not be forgotten.

"There are many people among us who have something to write about the work of Hussein. All 112 people are the authors of this edition because they express their opinion about Husejin Smajlović. If one message could be extracted from all the texts, it would be reflected in the fact that he was a man, insan, in the true sense. He especially loved Zenica, he was a visionary and builder, he loved sports, culture, science and education. There is no man in this city who gave himself for the development of the city as Smajlović did", said Duraković and added that he solved all the projects except for the heating project, which he failed to solve because of his premature departure.

"Memory of Husejin Smajlović" is the name of the monograph that was presented to the Zenica public this evening, and in which numerous people from the local to the international level, from neighbors to international officials, shared their memories of the mayor who, during his mandate, changed the identity of Zenica by implementing numerous projects from which his fellow citizens benefit.

His son Ikbal addressed those present on behalf of the Smajlović family, who said that today it is impossible to remember Zenica without Smajlović, but also Smajlović without connection with Zenica.

"He knew all its problems, he felt the needs of the citizens, and Zenica felt his presence in every part. All this provoked reactions from his dissenters, political opponents, whether it came from outside or inside. Political games and spins have led to the fact that Huso is guilty and if it rains, it is clearer today than ever", said Iqbal, among other things, and thanked everyone who contributed to the creation of a monograph that will be a witness of a time.

The Minister in the Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Nebojša Nikolić, said that this monograph by author Faruk Midžić is a realistic and honest testimony about the real Husejin Smajlović, with virtues and flaws, a fighter for social equality.

"This is a book about Husejin, who dedicated his life and health to the interests of Zenica and Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Nikolić.

The Minister of Education of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, Spahija Kozlić, also had words of praise, saying that the book is a herbarium of memories of those who were with Husejin Smajlović.

Reis-ul-ulema Hussein ef. Kavazović attended tonight's promotion where he said that he was glad that Bosniaks gathered for a fellow citizen who gave a lot to this city, but also for fellow citizens who appreciated, respected and loved him.

"I hope that there will be more gatherings like this and that we will preserve the memories of our dignitaries and greats. As we know, our Hussein took care of himself, the people and the country. He gave much more to the city and community than he took to himself. Maybe that's why he was loved and loved by people. Among us there may be those who do not think like me, and we should not be surprised at that", said Kavazović and added:

"Smajlović was active all his life. He showed and achieved results in several sectors. He also has his share in the many good things enjoyed by the citizens of Zenica. I hope that the memory of Husejin will live on in this city for a long time. May Allah reward him with an award and give us a lot of people like him", said Kavazović.

All participants of tonight's promotion received the monograph free of charge.