Armin Hodžić re-elected as President of the Bosnian National Council

Armin Hodžić has been re-elected as president of the Bosnian National Council (BNV) following a unanimous vote at the council's assembly on Saturday. The new executive board, comprising 34 members from 16 locations across Croatia, adopted a strategic declaration aimed at strengthening the political representation and cohesion of the Bosnian community in Croatia. The declaration outlines key objectives for the period up to 2036, including enhancing cultural and educational institutions, political representation, economic development, media presence, and stronger connections between Bosnians in Croatia with Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora. Plans include providing scholarships for at least 500 Bosnian students, developing eight cultural centers, strengthening entrepreneurial networks, and increasing youth and women’s participation in the community. Addressing attendees at the assembly, Hodžić emphasized the importance of long-term planning and ensuring that future generations have access to clear plans, completed work, and accumulated knowledge. “It is crucial to leave behind clear plans, completed tasks, and knowledge accessible to those who will come after us,” he stated. Hodžić has led the BNV since 2018 and was elected to the Croatian Parliament in 2024, representing the Bosnian, Albanian, Montenegrin, Macedonian, and Slovenian national minorities. He received 3,357 votes according to official results from the State Electoral Commission. Support for the new leadership came from several representatives. Milorad Pupovac, a member of parliament representing the Serbian minority, highlighted the importance of cooperation among different national minorities in Croatia. “We are different as people, based on historical, traditional matters, and aspects that define the uniqueness and identity of each of our communities,” Pupovac said. He expressed hope that Hodžić shares similar views. Krunoslav Katičić, secretary-general of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), spoke on behalf of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. He wished the new leadership success and emphasized the importance of institutional connectivity. “When we trust institutions, we trust one another, and many interests can be fulfilled,” Katičić said. Sandra Benčić, a member of the parliamentary group Možemo!, noted that the Bosnian community in Croatia is well-organized and has historically contributed to Croatian culture, science, education, infrastructure, and defense. “We do not see ourselves as a minority and majority; we are nations building the future together for centuries,” she said, stressing the importance of remembering victims, including those of the genocide in Srebrenica. The assembly included 204 delegates who approved both the strategic declaration and a new visual identity for the BNV. The new emblem combines elements from the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Croatian flag, and traditional motifs such as the ćilim pattern.