Milestone Baul Musician Sunil Karmakar Passes Away

Renowned Baul musician Sunil Karmakar passed away in the early hours of Friday, 6 February, at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment. He was 67. Karmakar leaves behind his wife, two sons, and countless admirers who have cherished his soulful contributions to Baul and folk music.

Born on 15 January 1959 in Bandnal village, Kendua Upazila of Netrokona District, Sunil Karmakar displayed a precocious talent for music from the tender age of seven. Even as a child, he could mesmerise audiences with his resonant, emotive voice, captivating any gathering single-handedly. Beyond singing, he was proficient in multiple instruments, including the behala, dotara, tabla, and harmonium, showcasing an extraordinary versatility that few could match.

Karmakar’s musical journey was profoundly inspired by the legendary Baul maestro Ustad Jalal Uddin Khan. Enchanted by Khan’s soul-stirring songs, Karmakar dedicated his life to music, collaborating extensively with Khan and lending his voice to numerous compositions. Over the decades, he became celebrated for both his renditions of classic Baul songs and his own original compositions, having written nearly two hundred songs imbued with devotion, love, and reflections on life.

According to Md. Nazrul Islam, General Secretary of the Mymensingh Divisional Baul Association, “Sunil Karmakar spent decades bringing the spiritual essence of Baul and folk music into the hearts of people. His songs were not merely entertainment; they were a medium of awakening and spiritual reflection.”

Sunil Karmakar was not only a singer but also a custodian of the rural cultural heritage of Bengal. The rhythmic strums of the ektara and dotara, combined with the depth of his voice, held listeners spellbound. His music frequently conveyed universal themes of humanity, devotion to the Creator, and philosophical contemplation, earning him reverence across generations.

Reflecting on his legacy, Ayesh Uddin Bhuiya, member of Kendua Jalal Parishad, said, “Sunil Karmakar was a timeless Baul artist and a devoted disciple of Ustad Jalal. His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in Kendua, Netrokona, and the broader folk music community. His absence casts a shadow of mourning over all who cherished authentic Baul traditions.”

Key Facts:

Sunil Karmakar’s passing marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s rich folk music heritage. His life and art remain an enduring testament to the spiritual depth and lyrical beauty of Baul music.