Shah Abdul Karim’s death anniversary today

He was the rhymer who depicted oppression and deprivation through his songs and fought throughout his life against religious bigotry. For this, he endured humiliation at the hands of fundamentalists. Taking a stand for the masses in grassroots movements, he inspired people with his music. He sang in the streets during the Language Movement and the Liberation War, seeking to awaken the nation. He was also awarded the Ekushey Padak.

He is Baul Samrat Shah Abdul Karim. Today, Friday (September 12), marks his 16th death anniversary. He passed away on this day in 2009.

The melodies of this late Baul maestro are cherished by Bangla-speaking people worldwide. Among his most popular compositions are: “Bonde maya lagaise, piriti shikhaise”, “Age ki shundor din kataitam”, “Gari chole na”, “Ami kulhara kolonkini”, “Kemone vulibo ami bachi na tare chara”, “koler gari”, “Sakhi kunjo sajau go”, “Jiggesh kori tomar kache manush hoye talash korle”, and “Ami Bangla mayer chele.” These songs have grown even more popular since his death.

Shah Abdul Karim was born on 15 February 1916 in Ujandhal village of Dirai Thana, Sunamganj. He grew up on the banks of the Kalni River. His father’s name was Ibrahim Ali and his mother’s was Naiorjan.

Raised in poverty and hardship, Abdul Karim’s devotion to music began in childhood. His wife Aftabunnesa, whom he lovingly called Sarola, was his lifelong inspiration.

The songs of the Baul Samrat reflect not only the joys of love and affection among the people of the haor region but also speak out against injustice, inequality, superstition, and communalism. He drew inspiration from the philosophy of the legendary Bauls Fakir Lalon Shah, Punju Shah, and Duddu Shah.

Abdul Karim wrote and composed about 1,500 songs. Ten of his songs were translated into English by Bangla Academy. Although he began writing songs in his youth, for many years they remained confined to the haor region. Only in his later years did several singers revive and popularise his works nationwide, earning him broad recognition. He spent much of his life battling poverty.

In 2006, an audio production house named Sound Machine released an album in his honour titled “Jibonto Kingbodonti: Baul Shah Abdul Karim”, featuring 12 of his most popular songs performed by various artistes.

Though Baul Samrat Shah Abdul Karim is no longer among us, his songs carrying messages of humanity and secularism continue to resonate across the world through the voices of countless Bauls.