Sanjit Acharya, a celebrated folk singer behind timeless hits like "Amar Moner Bedona Bondhu Chhara Jane Na" and "Banshkhali-Moishkhali Pal Uraiya Dile Samapan Gur Gurai Chole," has passed away at the age of 71. His death marks the end of an era in Bangladesh's folk and regional music landscape.

Acharya, a legend in Chattogram's vibrant music scene, took his final breath at a hospital in Chattogram on Monday evening. His sister, fellow musician Geeta Acharya, confirmed the news, stating, "We admitted him in the morning after a brain haemorrhage, but he left us in the evening." He is survived by his wife, three daughters, and a community that cherishes his music. 

Born in Chapora village in Patiya, Chattogram, Acharya grew up surrounded by the sounds of his region's rich musical traditions. A natural talent, he began singing at a young age, later dedicating his career to preserving and evolving folk, regional, and spiritual forms like Haldafada and Bhandari. His influence permeated every corner of Bangladesh, with his compositions continuing to resonate with audiences from generation to generation.

Acharya's contributions to regional music cannot be overstated. He authored and composed more than 1,000 songs, many of which have become cultural touchstones. Journalist and folk music researcher Nasir Uddin Haider highlighted his role as a pioneer, saying, "Sanjit Acharya crafted some of the most enduring songs in Chattogram's musical heritage. His influence will be felt for decades to come."

His music first gained national attention in 1978, when two of his duets with Kalyani Ghosh—"Gura Gura Kotha Hoi Baganer Adale" and "Satya Gori Hao Na Cox's Bazar Loi Jaiba"—were recorded on gramophone. These tracks were just the beginning of a prolific career that saw the release of hundreds of albums, solidifying Acharya's status as a regional and national icon.

Beyond his own songs, Acharya ventured into other creative avenues. He wrote two plays, "Sampanwala" and "Sonai Bondhu," which were later adapted into films. For "Sampanwala," Acharya not only penned the lyrics but also composed the soundtrack, with "Karnafulire Shakkhi Rakhlam Tore" becoming a standout hit. His ability to blend local stories with universal emotions made his work accessible yet deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Chattogram.

A mentor to countless musicians and a collaborator with legends like Shyam Sundar Baishnab and Shefali Ghosh, Acharya's influence on the regional music scene was immeasurable. Nasir Uddin Haider noted that one of Acharya's most popular songs, "Ore Bus Conductor," remains a beloved track among fans of folk music.

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