DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of folk and classical music guru Pandit Ramkanai Das.

In a condolence message, the premier said, death of the folk guru was a great loss in the country’s music world.

The nation will ever remember with respect his contributions to the collection of lost folk songs, she added.

The prime minister conveyed her sympathy to Ramkanai’s bereaved family members and prayed for the salvation of his departed soul.

79-year-old Ramkanai died at Metropolitan Hospital in the city’s Mohakhali area on Friday night.

Born to Rashiklal Das and Dibyomoyee Das in Sunamganj in 1935, he was awarded with the Ekushey Padak in 2014 for his outstanding contribution to the folk song collection.

** Pandit Ramkanai Das no more

BDST: 1215 HRS, SEP 04, 2014