Abdul Karim was born in 1916 in a low land area (locally known as ‘Bhati anchal’) called Ujandhol in Sunamganj district. The place remains submerged almost eight months of a year. Karim never had a chance to attend any school. Growing up with poverty and hardship, he started expressing his thoughts and emotions musically from very early age. Ektara (a traditional single string instrument) has been his constant companion. His songs had spell-binding effects on the people in and around his village, not to mention his melodic, soothing and pleasingly rustic voice. He was so indulged in music that unlike other typical Bangladeshis he failed to engage in some ‘jobs’ and continued entertaining people with his music (by and large, music is yet to be recognized as a full grown profession in Bangladesh). However, poverty forced him to get into agricultural labour. But nothing could stop him from making good music. As he was growing up, he received training on spiritual and baulmusic from Kamal Uddin, Shadhak Rashid Uddin, Shah Ibrahim Mastan Baksh. His versatility ranged from Baul song, Spiritual song to Bhatiali.
He went on learning all the exclusive modules of Baul song afterwards along with Shariatti, Marfatti, Nabuoti, Belayati, the various devout form of music. He was motivated by philosophy of renowned Lalan Shah, Panju Shah and Duddu Shah.He was awarded the Ekushey Padok in 2001 for his outstanding musical achievements. His contribution reflected by the modern singer Habib of Baangladesh. He also received Drouhee Kotha-shahitayk Abdur Rouf Choudhury Award in 2000. Baul Shah Abdul Karim has written and composed over 1600 songs. These songs are organized in six books, like: Aftab Sangeet, Gano Sangeet, Kalnir Dheu, Dholmela,Bhatir Chithi and Kalnir Kooley. Bangla Academy has translated ten of his songs into English language.Shah Abdul Karim, the legend of Baul songs and a versatile genius, had all through lived a very simple life often faced with harsh reality. However, with the recent trend of popular ‘modern’ versions of his (and other) Baulsongs in Bangladesh, he is now widely recognized and honoured by people, even by the younger generations who had never been ‘fans of tradition folk songs’.Some of Karim’s most famous musical numbers include – Agey ki shundor din kataitham, Gari cholena cholena, Jhil Mil Jhil Mil Kore, Ashi Bole Gelo Bondhu, Kano piritee barailarey bondhu, Maiya lagaise, Ami koolhara kolonkini, Ami tomar kol-er gari, Shokhi kunjo shajao, Ailai na ailai na and Boshonto Batashey.