AK Ratul, vocalist of rock band Owned, dies after cardiac arrest in Dhaka gym

Bangladesh’s rock music community is in shock after the sudden death of AK Ratul, the dynamic lead vocalist of the prominent rock band Owned. Ratul passed away today in Dhaka after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest during a gym session, as confirmed by his bandmate Pritom Arefin. He was in his mid-thirties and known for his deep roots in music and showbiz, being the son of the late Bangladeshi film icon Jashim.

Ratul was rushed to a private hospital shortly after 3:30pm, but doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival. His death marks a tragic loss for Bangladesh’s modern rock scene where Owned had become a major underground-to-mainstream success story since the early 2010s.

Ak Ratul: The voice of Owned is gone

AK Ratul, a core member of the band Owned, helped redefine the sonic landscape of Bangladeshi rock music. His sudden passing came as a shock to fans and musicians alike. Sources close to the band confirmed that Ratul collapsed at a gym this afternoon in Dhaka and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived.

Ratul was celebrated not only as a commanding stage performer but also as a skilled music producer. He worked behind the scenes on several albums that shaped the sound of contemporary Bangladeshi rock.

His family’s legacy in the entertainment industry is significant. Ratul was the son of the legendary film actor Abul Khayer Jashim Uddin, widely known as Jashim, and his siblings AK Rahul and AK Samee are also well-known musicians in their own right.

Owned: From underground pioneers to rock icons

Formed in 2007, Owned first made waves in Bangladesh’s underground rock scene before emerging as one of the genre’s most exciting acts. Known for their raw, aggressive sound and lyrical depth, the band quickly gained a dedicated fanbase.

Their debut release in 2014 brought them mainstream recognition. Songs like “Notun Diner Michhile” and “Bibek” became anthems among young listeners. In 2017, their second album cemented their position as leaders in alternative Bangladeshi rock.

Ratul’s voice—gritty, emotional, and powerful—was the centerpiece of the band’s sound. He brought theatricality and sincerity to the stage, always pushing musical boundaries.

Tributes pour in from Bangladesh’s rock community

Following the news of Ratul’s death, social media was flooded with tributes from fans, fellow musicians, and cultural personalities. Hashtags like #AKRatul and #OwnedBand began trending locally.

Notable musicians, including members from bands like Artcell, Nemesis, and Warfaze, expressed their condolences online. Many shared how Ratul had influenced their musical journeys or collaborated with them behind the scenes.

Arefin, Ratul’s longtime friend and fellow bandmate, wrote on Facebook: “We lost a brother today. Ratul wasn’t just a voice. He was our heart.”

Understanding sudden cardiac arrest during workouts

While the exact cause of Ratul’s cardiac arrest remains unconfirmed by doctors or family, medical experts note that sudden cardiac events during workouts, though rare, can affect seemingly healthy individuals.

Dr. Amit Patil, a cardiologist, explains that high-intensity workouts can sometimes trigger cardiac arrhythmias, especially in individuals with undiagnosed heart conditions. He recommends regular health screenings for active adults.

Cardiologists also stress the importance of having trained emergency responders and defibrillators at gyms—something that may now become a national talking point following this tragedy.

Ratul’s death is more than just a loss for music; it’s a personal loss for countless fans and musicians who grew up with his voice as their soundtrack. His legacy, however, will live on through the music he made and the lives he inspired. Rest in peace, AK Ratul.

You Must Know:

Who was AK Ratul?
AK Ratul was the lead vocalist and frontman of the Bangladeshi rock band Owned. He was also a music producer and the son of film star Jashim.

What caused AK Ratul’s death?
Ratul reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest while working out at a gym in Dhaka. He was declared dead at a private hospital.

What is Owned’s musical legacy?
Formed in 2007, Owned rose from the underground rock scene to become one of Bangladesh’s most influential bands with multiple hit tracks.

Was AK Ratul involved in other music projects?
Yes. Besides his work with Owned, Ratul collaborated with various artists and contributed as a music producer on several albums.

Are there tributes from the music industry?
Yes. Musicians from Artcell, Warfaze, Nemesis, and other notable bands have paid tribute on social media.

Where can I listen to Owned’s music?
Owned’s music is available on streaming platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Last.fm.