Bak Bakum Paira—The Guiding Light of Children’s Literature, Dadabhai

Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadabhai is a shining name in Bangladesh’s world of children’s literature and youth organisation. His affection, joy and warmth for children made him a beloved friend and an inspiring guardian to generations.

Born on 9 April 1925 in Pansha of Faridpur, Dadabhai began writing at an early age. This early journey gradually shaped him into one of the country’s foremost contributors to children’s literature, a cherished writer and an accomplished organiser.

His literary journey began in 1948 through the children’s section ‘Mitali Mojlish’ of the newspaper Ittehad, edited by Abul Monsur Ahmed. Later he enriched the world of children’s writing as acting editor of ‘Shishu Sawgat’ and director of ‘Kishor Duniya’ in the daily Millat.

After joining the daily Ittefaq in 1955, Dadabhai became a central figure in children’s journalism. Under his guidance, ‘Kochikachar Asor’ emerged as a trusted creative space for young minds.

Many renowned writers—Sufia Kamal, Dr Abdullah Al Muti, Ahsan Habib, Shawkat Osman, Hosne Ara, Fayez Ahmed and Nasir Ali—began writing for children under his inspiration.

In 1956 he founded the country’s largest children’s organisation, Kochikachar Mela, from where many distinguished individuals emerged—Sultana Kamal, artist Hashem Khan, Mahbub Talukdar and architect Robiul Hossain among them.

His timeless rhymes—“Bak bak kum paira…”, ‘Hattimatim Tim’, ‘Khokon Khokon Dak Pari’, ‘Ajab Holeo Guzob Noy’—have delighted children for generations. He also edited notable books like ‘Amar Prothom Lekha’, ‘Jhikimiki’, ‘Kochi O Kancha’ and ‘Chotoder Abritti’.

For his remarkable contribution to children’s literature and youth organisation, he was awarded the Independence Award in 2000.

Although he passed away on 3 December 1999, he lives on in the laughter of children, in every rhyme and in every creative spirit.

On his death anniversary, heartfelt respect and love to Bangladesh’s beloved Dadabhai, Rokonuzzaman Khan.

Khaborwala/TSN