Veteran Bangladeshi actor and road safety campaigner Ilias Kanchan is continuing treatment for brain cancer in London, where he has been undergoing medical care since last year, according to family sources and associates.
The popular film star and chairman of the road safety organisation Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA) is currently staying at the London home of his daughter, Ima Islam, while receiving treatment.
Ilias Kanchan underwent brain surgery at a London hospital in August last year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Doctors were able to remove a significant portion of the tumour, but were unable to remove it completely because of the associated risks. Subsequent examinations confirmed that he had brain cancer.
Following the operation, he began an extended course of treatment. After completing an initial phase of chemotherapy, he is now undergoing a second phase of oral therapy. Family sources said he received approximately 60 chemotherapy sessions over a 12-week period, with treatment administered five days a week.
Liton Ershad, vice-chairman of NISCHA, said Kanchan’s condition had not improved significantly despite the lengthy treatment process.
“Ilias Kanchan bhai’s physical condition remains largely unchanged. There has been no notable improvement,” Ershad said. “The current therapy will continue until July 30. After that, doctors will reassess his condition and determine the next course of action.”
According to doctors, the cancer remains in the same location as it was following surgery and has not spread to other parts of the body. Medical specialists consider this a positive sign and hope his condition may improve after the second phase of oral therapy is completed.
However, daily life remains challenging for the actor. Sources close to the family said he is able to speak slowly, but experiences difficulty with speech and often struggles to complete sentences.
Ershad said Kanchan can talk gradually but sometimes cannot finish a full sentence even after speaking for several minutes. While he is eating relatively normally, he no longer follows his previous routine of eating at regular times.
Much of his time is now spent with his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren in London. Family members say spending time with loved ones, socialising and occasionally going out provides him with emotional support during his treatment.
Recent photographs of Kanchan smiling with family members circulated on social media, prompting speculation that his health had improved significantly. However, those close to him say he still faces a lengthy recovery process and remains under regular medical supervision.
