The world of Baul music mourns the loss of one of its most cherished voices. Sunil Karmakar, the renowned Baul singer and exponent of Bengali folk traditions, passed away in the early hours of Friday, 6 February, at 4:30 a.m. while receiving treatment at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. He leaves behind his wife, two sons, and countless admirers who cherished his music and his spiritual message.
Born on 15 January 1959 in Bandnal village under Kendua police station in the Netrokona district, Sunil Karmakar’s musical journey began at the tender age of seven. Even as a child, his rich, emotive voice could captivate an entire gathering. Beyond his vocal talent, he was a skilled instrumentalist, proficient in playing the behala, dotara, tabla, and harmonium, making him a versatile figure in folk music.
Inspired by the legendary Ustad Jalal Uddin Khan, Karmakar dedicated his life to music. He lent his voice to numerous compositions of Ustad Khan, many of which became widely popular. Alongside these collaborations, Karmakar was a prolific composer in his own right, having penned nearly two hundred songs that explored themes of spirituality, human compassion, and devotion to the divine.
According to Md. Nazrul Islam, General Secretary of the Mymensingh Divisional Baul Association, “Sunil Karmakar devoted his life to spreading spiritual awareness through Baul and folk music. His songs have left a lasting impression on the hearts of people across generations.”
Karmakar was not merely a singer; he was a custodian of rural Bengali cultural heritage. The distinctive rhythm of the ektara and dotara combined with his soulful voice mesmerised audiences. His songs often reflected a philosophical worldview, celebrating humanity, love, and devotion to the Creator. Music was his meditation, his knowledge, and his way of life.
Members of the Kendua Jalal Parishad, including Ayesh Uddin Bhuiyan, expressed profound sorrow at his passing: “Sunil Karmakar was a disciple of Jalal Khan and a timeless Baul artist. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void in Kendua and across Netrokona. The entire region mourns his loss.”
Key Details of Sunil Karmakar:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sunil Karmakar |
| Date of Birth | 15 January 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Bandnal, Kendua, Netrokona |
| Date of Death | 6 February 2026 |
| Place of Death | Mymensingh Medical College Hospital |
| Age at Death | 67 |
| Family | Wife, two sons |
| Instruments Played | Ektara, Dotara, Behala, Tabla, Harmonium |
| Notable Associations | Ustad Jalal Uddin Khan |
| Songs Composed | Nearly 200 |
| Contribution | Promoting Baul and Bengali folk music |
Sunil Karmakar’s passing marks the end of an era in Baul music. Yet, through his songs and the spiritual legacy he leaves behind, his voice will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who cherish the rich heritage of Bengal’s folk traditions.