she earned numerous prestigious awards
Ekushey Padak-winning folk singer Sushama Das has passed away at the age of 95.
The renowned singer passed away on March 26, 2025, at her home in Howlader Para, Sylhet city.
According to her family, she fought a long battle with age-related illnesses.
Her health had significantly deteriorated since March 13, 2025, when she fell critically ill.
Her family members were keeping her at home as her condition worsened.
Sushama Das’ passing marks the end of an era in the world of Bangladeshi folk music.
Widely celebrated for her devotion to the art form, she earned numerous prestigious awards throughout her life.
In 2017, she was honoured with the Ekushey Padak, one of the highest civilian awards in Bangladesh.
She was recognised by the government for her immense contributions to folk music.
Sushama was also a recipient of the Kolkata Baul Fakir Utsav Honour.
This award acknowledged her deep connection to the soul of Baul and Fakiri music.
In 2015, the District Shilpakala Academy recognised her lifelong dedication to preserving traditional folk songs.
Similarly, in 2017, she was felicitated at the Radha Raman Utsav for her mastery of Radha Raman’s compositions.
In 2019, she was honoured with the Rabindra Padak for her lasting influence on Bengali folk music.
Born in 1929 in Putka village, Sunamganj, Sushama Das grew up in a musical family.
Her parents, Rasiklal Das and Dibyamayi Das, were respected folk poets.
Her younger brother, Pandit Ramkanai Das, was another Ekushey Padak recipient, further cementing the family’s legacy in the world of music.
Sushama was the eldest of six siblings, and her early exposure to traditional music played a crucial role in shaping her career.
Throughout her life, Sushama Das was celebrated for her commitment to preserving and promoting folk music.
Her songs and performances resonated deeply with audiences, and she became a beloved figure in the music community.
Following her death, her body was taken to the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar at 7:30 pm on March 26.
There, her family and friends gathered to pay their last respects.
Her fans were deeply saddened after hearing of her passing.
One said: “All the great voices are departing one by one. She will be greatly missed.”
Sushama Das’ legacy lives on through her music. The singer will always be remembered as one of the leading voices in Bangladeshi folk music.
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