A commemorative session on the occasion of the death of Academician Rusmir Mahmutćehajić, organized today by the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was held in Sarajevo in the building of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The commemoration was attended by numerous friends, colleagues and associates of Academician Mahmutćehajić, as well as representatives of the current executive and legislative authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with other prominent figures from political and social life.
The commemoration highlighted the key role of Rusmir Mahmutćehajić in the most sensitive moments of the contemporary history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. His long-time friend Sefer Halilović recalled that Mahmutćehajić was among those who timely recognized the need to organize the defense of the state at a time when many still denied the possibility of war.
“He left and we lost the best. We no longer have such a man. It will probably take a whole century for someone like him to appear again,” said Halilović, emphasizing that without his involvement, the defense capacities of Bosnia and Herzegovina would be significantly weaker or questionable.
He particularly highlighted his contribution to the development of the military industry during the war years, emphasizing that production was organized at as many as 98 locations, which, as he said, played a crucial role in the survival of the state.
Sonja Biserko also spoke about Mahmutćehajić, describing his life as a lasting message of dedication to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its identity. She emphasized that for him, Bosnia and Herzegovina was not just a state, but a deep value and framework for life.
“For him, Bosnia and Herzegovina was not just a name – it was a mother, a sanctuary, a framework for life,” said Biserko, adding that he consistently advocated the idea of Bosnianness as a civic principle based on the unity of different identities.
Fr. Mile Babić recalled his intellectual opus, emphasizing that he combined science and faith and consistently opposed ideologies of division and hatred. “He was a great thinker and a great believer,” said Babić, emphasizing his dedication to peace and dialogue.
Krsto Mijanović emphasized that Mahmutćehajić left a deep mark through the ideas and relationships he built with people. “We have lost a star on the horizon that warmed the essence of Bosnia,” said Mijanović.
Fra Ivo Marković described him as an exceptionally versatile personality – a scientist, philosopher, theologian and political activist – emphasizing that the center of his work was always the human being. “For him, the name of God was peace,” said Marković.
His long-time associate Rasim Gačanović said that he was an exceptional personality who is rarely born, emphasizing his role in the interpretation and affirmation of Bosnianness.
“If we remain silent, we are responsible. If we are afraid, we will be defeated,” quoted Erma Ramić Kunić, recalling his advocacy for the preservation of Bosnian written tradition and cultural heritage.
The speakers agreed that Mahmutćehajić’s work transcends time and remains alive through the institutions, ideas and people he inspired, and that his vision of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a community of equal people remains a permanent obligation to future generations.
The Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nermin Nikšić, emphasized that his life cannot be separated from the fate of the country to which he dedicated his work and activities.
“Today, in silence that speaks louder than words, we say goodbye to a man whose life was deeply woven into the destiny of our country,” said Nikšić, recalling his role in the period of defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He added that Mahmutćehajić’s mission continued even after the war through intellectual work and advocacy for the understanding of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a community of diversity. As the founder of the International Forum Bosnia, he described him as a tireless advocate of dialogue between cultures, religions and ideas.
At the end of his address, Nikšić particularly emphasized the symbolism of the full name of the state that Mahmutćehajić insisted on.
“I consciously did not pronounce the abbreviated name of the state today either. That is a legacy he left us,” said Nikšić, emphasizing that every pronunciation of the full name of Bosnia and Herzegovina carries respect for its history and integrity.
Mahmutćehajić died on April 5 in Sarajevo at the age of 78, leaving behind a rich academic and political career, Fena news agency writes.
