Mustafa Nurul Islam speaks at the discussionPhoto: STAR

On the occasion of the 83rd birth anniversary of noted litterateur, journalist and founder of the children's organisation Kachi Kanchar Mela -- Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadabhai (1925-1999), a discussion was held at the Kachi Kancha Bhaban, Segunbagicha on April 8. At the discussion arranged by Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadabhai Smriti Sangsad (RKDSS), former members of Kachi Kanchar Mela reminisced on Dadabhai's life and works.
Noted artist Hashem Khan delivered the welcome speech. The veteran artist has been involved with Kachi Kanchar Mela since its inception.
Noted litterateur Mustafa Nurul Islam was the chief guest at the programme.
Among others, journalist Kamal Lohani; novelist Anwara Syed Haque; Professor Hazera Nazrul; artist Sayeeda Kamal and Selina Khaleque reminisced on their fond memories of Dadabhai.
Editor of the weekly magazine Begum, Nurjahan Begum (Dadabhai's wife), also the president of RKDSS, presided over the programme. Nurjahan Begum stressed on naming the auditorium at Kachi Kancha Bhaban after Dadabhai. She also spoke on the need to publish a compilation of Dadabhai's letters, published in the children's page Kachi Kanchar Ashor of the Daily Ittefaq.
Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadabhai was born in Pangsha, Rajbari on April 9, 1925. His grandfather Mohammad Rawshan Ali Chowdhury was the editor of the monthly magazine Kohinoor. Dadabhai's initiation in journalism happened through the Daily Ittehad (published from Kolkata) in 1948. He was the editor of the children's section.
Dadabhai jointed the Daily Ittefaq in 1955 as the editor of the Mufassil section. Simultaneously he took charge of the children's section. Eventually he became the editor of literature and feature desk of the newspaper.
Dadabhai formed the children's organisation Kochi Kanchar Mela in 1956. He was the chief of the organisation till death.
In his illustrious career, Dadabhai performed several important roles in different organisations. He received the Bangla Academy Award in 1968 and the Shishu Academy Award in 1994.
Among his notable works for children are – Ajob Holeo Gujob Noy, Hattima Tim and Khokon Khokon Daak Pari.
Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadabhai passed away on December 3, 1999. In 2000, he received the Swadhinata Dibosh Award (posthumous).