Bangladesh’s band music scene has traditionally revolved around personal emotions, love, heartbreak, and the rhythms of urban life. Nokshikatha, however, has charted a distinctive course over the past two decades, using music as a platform for social awareness, activism, and cultural reflection. Through its creative journey, the band has addressed issues ranging from environmental degradation to human rights violations, establishing an enduring influence on the nation’s cultural and social consciousness.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
Founded on 25 January 2006 under the leadership of Sajed Fatemi, Nokshikatha officially launched as a band on 25 January 2007. Since then, it has not merely produced music but cultivated a continuous movement that blends cultural expression with social responsibility.
Sajed Fatemi explains, “Initially, I performed street theatre through NGOs on topics such as dengue awareness, women’s reproductive health, child labour, child marriage, and racial discrimination. Eventually, I realised that these messages could reach a far larger audience through music.”
Intentional Music with Social Impact
Every Nokshikatha song is more than entertainment—it is a form of protest, inquiry, and reflection. Environmental conservation, child labour, child marriage, women’s rights, racial discrimination, and border violence have all featured prominently in the band’s repertoire. By fusing the subtleties of Bangladesh’s classical folk traditions with contemporary band music, Nokshikatha has introduced younger generations to the depth and nuance of folk melodies.
Albums and Signature Songs
The band’s albums have consistently reflected social consciousness and cultural messaging:
| Album | Year Released | Key Songs | Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nojor Rakhis | 2008 | Bhorer Shishir, Hater Golmal, Nojor Rakhis, Bhalobashar Gaan, Ek Sho Bochor | Social awareness, environment, human rights |
| Nokshikathar Gaan | 2016 | Notun Bari, Chor, Sat Asman, Tuke Niye | Modern social issues, folk music fusion |
In addition to these albums, the band has released 58 original songs, with at least 20 new tracks in development as of 2025. A selection of key works includes:
| Song | Album/Single | Year | Main Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhorer Shishir | Nojor Rakhis | 2008 | Environmental awareness |
| Balya Bibah | Single | 2018 | Protest against child marriage |
| Nodi O Nodi | Single | 2021 | River conservation & environment |
| Asha | Single | 2022 | Struggle and human inspiration |
| Nodir Gaan | Single | 2023 | Environmental awareness |
| Dussahoshik Din | Single | 2021 | Social injustice & resistance |
A Model of Social Responsibility
Over twenty years, Nokshikatha has demonstrated that music is not just a medium of entertainment but also a vehicle for social change. By championing the rights of rivers, trees, children, and women through evocative and message-driven songs, the band has left an indelible mark on Bangladesh’s cultural consciousness. Their journey exemplifies how music can cultivate awareness, instil humanistic values, and connect younger generations with both culture and social responsibility.