The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has floated a project for setting up the "Radharaman Cultural Centre" at Keshabpur village in Jagannathpur, Sunamganj – the birthplace of the hugely influential Bengali musician and poet Radharaman Dutta.

"We hope to send the project proposal to the Planning Commission by June 2022," said State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid Saturday.

The state minister was addressing a programme organised by the upazila administration with the support of Radharaman Samaj Kalyan Sanskritik Parishad (Radharaman Social Welfare & Cultural Council) while visiting Keshabpur, according to the Press Information Department.

Radharaman is considered the "Father of Dhamal songs" – compositions to traditional dance forms – and he also wrote and composed numerous songs in the Baul tradition.

The musician is well known for his songs like "Shyam Kalia, "Shuna Bondhu Re," "Bhromor Koio Giya," and "Kare Dhekabo Moner Dhukko Go."

Radharaman's compositions are performed today in weddings all over Bangladesh and his songs are widely covered by contemporary musicians in Bangladesh and West Bengal.

His most popular song, "Bhromor Koio Giya," was copied by Romanian singer Liviu Mititelu and Tajik singer Noziya Karomatullo also covered it in her language.

In 1915, Radharaman died in his own house which became his shrine. He was 81 at the time of death.

"Steps have been taken to preserve all the creations of Radharaman Dutta in their entirety," Khalid said.

"Radharaman Dutta's property was illegally occupied for 60 years. It has been recovered through the legal process and an initiative has been taken to build the Radharaman Complex there."