Elma Dandić, Blagaj, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Why Blagaj Requires a Police Station
Author: Elma Dandić
I am 27 years old and relocated to Blagaj two years ago after getting married. Initially, Blagaj seemed to emanate tranquillity—a place characterized by order. However, after moving here, I discovered that beneath the surface, Blagaj is not a safe haven for our children. The absence of police officers patrolling the streets contributes to encounters with suspicious individuals at any given time.
My husband, who grew up in Blagaj and spent most of his life here, nostalgically recounts a Blagaj that no longer exists. It was a place where security, peace, prosperity, honesty, and a sense of community prevailed. Life unfolded at a calm pace, and people lived contentedly, blissfully unaware of problems. Children grew up in a safe environment devoid of criminals, drug addicts, and substance abusers—an era where order reigned.
Until the year 2000, Blagaj possessed a police station, with officers actively patrolling the streets, instilling a sense of safety and protection among the citizens, including my husband. However, the former police station has now been replaced by a post office, and the police only respond to specific requests. As a mother and resident of this area, I firmly believe this is insufficient. Fear engulfs me as I constantly anticipate the worst possible scenarios, living in a state of perpetual apprehension. The fear of harm befalling my children is akin to a recurring nightmare.
Summers are particularly concerning. Reckless overtaking and speeding by expensive, high-speed vehicles pose a constant threat to the lives of others. Scenes of motorcycles speeding through Blagaj, primarily driven by young individuals, are distressingly commonplace. Their imprudence and carelessness often lead to tragic outcomes, including fatalities. Consequently, my child, like many others, cannot venture outside to play. Moreover, Blagaj has become a hub of drug-related activities, techno parties, strained neighbourly relations, and drug addicts lurking around every corner. Nobody feels safe.
The Islet of Ada I currently witness bears little resemblance to the Ada my husband described—a place where he spent summers alongside the beautiful Buna River. Due to the presence of suspicious individuals, intoxicated individuals, and addicts, I no longer feel comfortable taking my children there. Additionally, Ada has transformed into a venue for rowdy techno parties during the summer, with blaring music and disruptive crowds, making it impossible to sleep. There is never a moment of tranquillity. On one occasion, I planned to take a stroll with my children to Ada. However, upon arriving, I encountered a party in progress, with people cursing, shouting, and driving recklessly. Consequently, I decided against exposing my children to such an environment, as I wished to shield them from such scenes and ensure their safety. At times, it feels as though Ada is exclusively reserved for certain individuals, those who organize parties without considering the concerns of others. Access to Ada is significantly hindered for Blagaj residents and those in the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, it seems that the authorities do not prioritize our well-being, despite the numerous issues plaguing our community.
I never envisioned my life in Blagaj being overshadowed by fear for the safety of my own child. I had hoped for a better, safer, and more peaceful existence here compared to the city of Mostar. The residents of Blagaj voiced their demand for the reinstatement of a police station, only to be met with outright rejection, citing inadequate population numbers. I wonder how the population is expected to grow when the desire to leave this place is so prevalent. I yearn to live in the Blagaj my husband reminisces about, but it appears that this dream will remain an unattainable longing—a Blagaj that exists only outside the realm of reality. As a mother, wife, resident, and citizen of Blagaj, the existence of police officers and a dedicated police station is tremendously important to me. It is crucial for me to reside in an environment that genuinely prioritizes safety, rather than one that only superficially appears secure.