Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the passing of Baul Sunil Karmakar, a distinguished thinker, poet, and philosopher who played a unique role in promoting the songs of Jalal Uddin Khan.
In a condolence message issued on Friday, the adviser remarked that for centuries, philosophy and the practice of art have gone hand-in-hand in Bangladesh.
He noted that the people of this land express their worldly joys and sorrows, alongside philosophical and social thoughts, through the composition of songs.
He further emphasised that the intellectual tradition of the country is found not in philosophy books, but in the music of Lalon, Hason, Jalal Khan, Shah Karim, and countless other thinkers who have enriched Bangladeshi culture.
Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki described Sunil Karmakar as a prominent musician and spiritual seeker of the Jalal Khan tradition. Recalling a meeting from many years ago, the adviser shared that he was deeply inspired by Karmakar’s renditions of Jalal Khan’s songs.
Beyond his vocal talents, the late artist was also proficient in playing various instruments, including the violin and dotara.
The adviser also noted that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs immediately stood by the veteran artist as soon as news of his illness was received.
Expressing his personal grief, Farooki stated that receiving the news of the philosopher’s death upon waking was personally painful and represents an irreparable loss to the national cultural arena. He concluded his message by praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
