Shah Abdul Karim, the creator of masterpiece songs like “Bonde Maya Lagaise”, “Keno Piritee Barailare Bandhu”, “Gari Cholena Cholena”, “Ami Kulhara Kalankini” and “Agey Ki Shundar Din Kataitam”, was born on 15 February 1916 at Derai Upazila in Sunamganj district. His childhood was mired with extreme poverty. Therefore, he did not get institutional education from any school or college.

As he was growing up, he received training on spiritual and Baul music from Shah Ibrahim Mastan Baksh.

Abdul Karim was a very popular musician in remote areas. Ektara, a traditional single-string musical instrument, had always been his companion.

Abdul Karim was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2001 for his outstanding contribution to music. He also received the Drouhee Kotha-Shahitayk Abdur Rouf Choudhury Award in 2000.

The legendary Baul singer breathed his last on 12 September 2009.