Bangladesh’s much-loved band Chirkutt has stepped into its 24th year, carrying with it a long trail of songs, stages and stories. Led by lyricist, composer, music director and vocalist Sharmin Sultana Sumi, the band has spent more than two decades shaping modern Bangla music with songs that travelled from college rooms to national playlists—and beyond.
Recognition followed the music. Over the years, Chirkutt has earned numerous local and international awards. This new year began the same way it often does for the band: with applause, trophies and live shows.
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Chirkutt kicked off 2026 with a concert in Sylhet on January 3. Six days later, on January 9, the band stood on stage at the 25th Dhallywood Film and Music Awards in Dhaka to receive the Best Band award for the third time.
The honour came for the song “Dami” from their 2025 album “Bhalobashashomogro”. Band founder Sumi went on stage with the full team to receive the award.
Reacting to the win, Sumi said, “In 2025, we released 10 new songs in our album ‘Bhalobashashomogro’. For the song ‘Dami’, we have received this honour. The Creator is great. Our listeners are our blessing, our ‘Dami’. In our 24-year journey of constantly fighting to create new words and tunes of our own, this achievement will be an even bigger inspiration for every member of Chirkutt.”
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Looking back, she added, “Chirkutt has always searched for new songs, new words, new melodies. As an institution, Chirkutt has tried to stand by its members year after year and help them grow. We have experimented with adding something new to music. That is why Chirkutt has become a cradle for many musicians. When we stood alongside some of the world’s leading bands abroad and sang Bangla songs, our eyes filled with love and gratitude for our country. We want to remain a ‘Chirkutt’ of love in everyone’s heart.”
This year, the band is focusing on its fifth studio album. Alongside studio work, Chirkutt will continue performing regularly at concerts at home and abroad.
The band has also begun planning something bigger: in 2027, Chirkutt will complete 25 years. To mark the milestone, they are preparing a colourful silver jubilee celebration.
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The current Chirkutt lineup features Sharmin Sultana Sumi as the band’s founder, lead vocalist, lyricist, composer and music director. Pavel Areen handles drums and percussion alongside sound production duties. Rayhan Parvez Akanda Pranto plays guitar as well as ethnic instruments such as banjo, mandolin and ukulele. Dibbo Nasser is on lead guitar and harmony vocals, while Ishmamul Farhad plays bass. Yaar Hossain—also known as Iyar Hossain—contributes on harmonium, keyboard and violin. Rayhan Islam Shuvro is part of the group on acoustic guitar, adding texture to Chirkutt’s evolving sound.
Two decades on, Chirkutt is still chasing new sounds–older, bolder, and far from done.
