Veteran singer Baul Abdul Karim Shah died aged 90 on Tuesday morning at his residence in Kushtia after suffering from different old-age complications.
The iconic Baul singer dedicated his life following in the footsteps of Baul legend Fakir Lalon Shah. Baul Karim Shah searched for God and humanity through his Baul songs till his death. He received Ekushey Padak in 2011.
Baul Karim Shah had been admitted to Kushtia Medical College Hospital on April 19 with acute bronchial problems and later was shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for better treatment.
Kushtia District administrations had taken over the duties of the legendary Baul’s treatment after local dailies ran reports on lack of proper treatment due to financial constrains.
On June 4, he returned to his home at Chaurhash Canalpara in Kushtia town after a treatment session at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Baul Karim Shah is survived by his wife, two daughters and left behind an abounding number of followers.
The first janaza was held at the Kushtia Chaurhash Eid ground and second janaja was held at the Kamarpara field of Mirpur upazila in Kushtia.
Complying with his last wish, the legendary singer was buried at the Kamarpara field where he had arranged a Baul festival with his fellows, said Rizia Khatun, wife of Baul Karim Shah.
‘Baul Karim Shah was the oldest veteran Lalon singer,’ said Amirul Islam, general secretary of Kushtia Shilpakala Academy. ‘He upheld the spirit of the Lalon’s philosophy throughout his life and works,’ he added.
‘Baul Karim Shah was the last person who could sing Lalon’s songs with proper harmony and devotion,’ said Lalon Academy executive member Golam Kaderi. The folk singer and lyricist performed in Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar along with several national TV channels. He also performed live in the USA, the UK, Japan, India, and Australia.
Kusthia district commissioner Belal Hossain, police superintendent Mafiz Uddin, authorities of district Shilpakala Academy and Lalon Research Academy, Kushtia Press Club, Islamic University Journalist Association, in several messages, expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.
-With New Age input
