A musical evening and Dhamail dance program in memory of legendary Baul musician Shah Abdul Karim was held on May 31, 2026 at the auditorium of PS 67 in Astoria, Queens. The event was organized by Astoria Welfare Society USA, a nonprofit philanthropic organization.
Shah Abdul Karim (1916–2009) was a renowned Bangladeshi Baul musician, philosopher and songwriter. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Baul artists of all time, he was often referred to as the “Baul Emperor.” Beyond his contributions to Baul music, Karim made significant contributions to Sufism, Marifa, folk philosophy and socially conscious music. He was born in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh.
The program began with Astoria Welfare Society USA General Secretary
Jabed Uddin inviting guests to the stage. Society President Mohammad
Sohel Ahmed and other officials welcomed them with ceremonial scarves.
Among those delivering remarks were Emad Chowdhury and Chowdhury Saleh, advisers to the organization; Bedarul Islam Babla, former president of the League of America; Mary Zobaida, a Bangladeshi American candidate in the Democratic primary for New York State Assembly District 36; community activist Tofayel Chowdhury; Badrunnahar Khan Mita, former president of the Jalalabad Association of America; Firoz Ahmed, president of Sandwip Society USA; and Jahangir Shahid Suhrawardy, an executive member of Bangladesh Society.
Following remarks by attorney Moin Chowdhury, a community and political leader, the event was officially declared open. Special guest Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, administrator of the Sylhet District Council and a prominent political leader currently visiting the United States, praised the initiative and reflected on Karim’s legacy.
Shamim added that Sylhet is known not only for Abdul Karim’s songs but also for its rich literary and cultural heritage. He noted that cultural icons such as Hasan Raja and Radha Raman Dutta used music to reflect society and address social issues. He described organizing a musical tribute to Abdul Karim in the diaspora as a commendable initiative.
During the event, Astoria Welfare Society USA presented a plaque to Shamim in recognition of his contributions. Honorary awards on behalf of New York State Senator Jessica Ramos were also presented to organization adviser Dewan Shahed Chowdhury and real estate entrepreneur Tushar Bhuiya.
The cultural segment featured performances by popular Baul singer Kala Mia, along with expatriate artists Kamruzzaman Bokul, Mariam Maria, Jewel and Nasir Uddin. Kala Mia performed several of Abdul Karim’s songs, drawing enthusiastic responses from the audience.
A solo dance performance was presented by young artist Nabonita Debnath (Payel), while group dance performances were staged by artists from Mithon Dance Academy. Their performances captivated attendees.
The event drew a large gathering of community members, including Rana Chowdhury of The Optimist and Shekil Chowdhury, chairperson of the Center for Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRB), Syed Ilias Kasru director of Time Television among others.
