The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Brčko District are marking a Day of Mourning today on the occasion of the funeral and commemoration of the legendary singer Halid Bešlić, whose songs have been a symbol of emotion, warmth and unity among people in the former Yugoslavia for decades. Unlike these two entities, the Republika Srpska has not made a decision to declare a Day of Mourning, and the same situation is at the state level, where the Council of Ministers of BiH has not considered this initiative.
The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto (HDZ BiH) did not include the proposal on the agenda of the session, which caused numerous reactions and dissatisfaction in the public.
Honor in the Federation and Brcko
At the initiative of citizens and the cultural community, the Government of the Federation of BiH declared October 13 a Day of Mourning as a sign of gratitude and respect for Bešlić. During the day, flags were lowered to half-mast, and radio and television programming were adjusted to this decision.
A similar step was taken in the Brcko District, where Mayor Siniša Milić emphasized that Halid Bešlić was an artist who, with his voice and works, “brought people together regardless of religion, nation or borders”. “His departure is a loss not only for BiH, but for the entire region”, said Milić.
Criticism for the lack of a common position
The decision not to declare a Day of Mourning at the state level was met with harsh criticism. BiH Minister for Human Rights and Refugees Sevlid Hurtić said he was disappointed that, as he emphasized, “a purely human and moral idea has become a political issue”. “Halid Bešlić did not belong to any entity – he belonged to all of us. His music was a bridge between people, and decisions like this should not divide, but unite,” Hurtić said.
Farewell to a musical legend
The funeral and commemoration of Halid Bešlić are being held today in Sarajevo, where numerous citizens, colleagues and admirers from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region are expected to attend. The farewell to the artist who marked the lives of millions of people with his songs has become a symbol of unity and gratitude for a life full of music, kindness and warmth.
