Folk musician Kamruddin Absar passes away

Renowned folk and protest music artist, lyricist and music teacher Kamruddin Absar has died. He passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka on Saturday night (May 31).

Family members said Absar had been suffering from multiple age-related and chronic health complications for a long time. His condition deteriorated recently, after which he was admitted to BISSH Hospital in the capital, where he breathed his last at around 9:30 pm.

The family said his body will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar on Monday morning for public tribute. People will be able to pay their last respects from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, followed by his funeral prayer at the Central Mosque of the University of Dhaka.

Absar was associated for many years with progressive cultural and literary organisations, including Bangladesh Lekhak Shibir. He was also an active organiser of Ganosangskriti Front and closely involved with the folk music group “Srijon”.

His death has been mourned across cultural and political circles, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, admirers and fellow artists, who described him as a committed voice in protest and folk music traditions.