Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has expressed profound shock and sorrow at the demise of distinguished thinker and poet Sunil Karmakar, who also made a notable contribution in popularizing the songs of philosopher Jalal Uddin Khan.

In a condolence message issued today, Farooki said philosophy and artistic practice in Bangladesh have long been intertwined, with the people of this land expressing their joys, sorrows, philosophical reflections and social concerns through songs.

The tradition of the country's thought is not confined to philosophy books but lives in its songs as Lalon, Hasan, Jalal Khan, Shah Karim and countless other thinkers have enriched Bangladesh's culture, he observed.

The adviser recalled his personal acquaintance with Sunil Karmakar many years ago, saying that Jalal Khan's songs in Karmakar's voice had deeply inspired him. In addition to his singing, Karmakar was skilled in playing several musical instruments including the violin and dotra.

Farooki said that upon receiving news of the artist's illness, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs immediately extended support.

"This sad news, which I received after waking up today, has made me personally grieved, and collectively, it is an irreparable loss to our cultural arena," he added.

The adviser prayed for the peace of his departed soul.