Baul Sunil Karmakar passes away

Renowned Baul singer Sunil Karmakar passed away on Friday. He had been undergoing treatment at a hospital for several days due to illness.

Confirming his death, Baul singer Mukta Sarkar wrote in a Facebook post: “We are deeply saddened. Ah, Sunil Kaka! You could recognise me just by hearing my voice—you would call me ‘Ma’. How many songs we sang together on the palagan stage, how many conversations—everything has now turned into memories. Rest in peace on the other side, respected and gifted artist.”

Sunil Karmakar had been associated with music since the age of just seven. With his rich and emotionally charged voice, he could single-handedly captivate any gathering. A versatile musician, he was proficient in playing multiple instruments, including the violin, dotara, tabla and harmonium.

Inspired by the songs of legendary Baul maestro Ustad Jalal Uddin Khan, Sunil Karmakar devoted himself to the world of music. Around that time, he permanently lost his eyesight. However, blindness did not hinder his journey. Born in Netrokona, Sunil Karmakar never once strayed from his musical pursuit despite losing his vision.

In addition, he was a prolific songwriter, having written an estimated 150 to nearly 200 songs.