Sylhet has lost one of its most dedicated folk musicians. Ramkrishna Sarkar, a lifelong preserver and promoter of Dhamail songs and dance, passed away on Thursday (February 5) morning at MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. He was 53.

Sarkar, survived by his wife, a son, and numerous disciples, spent over two decades traveling remote corners of Sylhet, collecting nearly 400 Dhamail, Baul, and Kirtan songs. His work revived and preserved many nearly-forgotten folk traditions of the region.
In 2005, he founded the Dhamail Academy in Sreemangal, which became a hub for training, performing, and documenting Dhamail. Through this initiative, many young artists were introduced to the rich tradition of Dhamail music and dance.
He also compiled and edited the book ‘Sylheti Dhamail Geet’, a comprehensive record of Dhamail songs from invocation to closing, securing the tradition for future generations.
Despite battling multiple myeloma in his final years, Sarkar’s commitment to folk music and Dhamail never wavered.
His passing leaves a deep void in Sylhet’s cultural landscape, but his songs, academy, and lifelong work will continue to inspire and guide the next generation of folk enthusiasts.