Ilias Kanchan returns home after 15 months of treatment

Veteran actor Ilias Kanchan is returning to Bangladesh today after spending 15 months in London undergoing treatment for a brain tumour. He is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka at 5:30pm, a development confirmed to The Daily Star by Liton Arshad, vice-chairman of Nirapad Sarak Chai (Nischa).

Kanchan has been receiving treatment in London since April last year following his diagnosis. During this period, he has stayed between a hospital and the home of his daughter, Ima Islam.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

In August last year, the actor underwent brain surgery at a London hospital. Although doctors successfully removed a significant portion of the tumour, they were unable to remove it completely because of the associated risks.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Arshad said Kanchan decided to return home after spending more than a year abroad continuously.

"He has been eager to come back to Bangladesh. He wants to spend some time with his family and meet the members of Nirapad Sarak Chai before returning to London for further treatment within the next six or seven days," he said.

Arshad added that Kanchan's health remains fragile despite ongoing treatment.

According to Liton Arshad, Kanchan briefly spoke to well-wishers upon his arrival at the airport.

“He said, ‘Please keep me in your prayers, and you will be in mine as well.’ He was unable to say much more after that. He then returned to his residence in Gulshan, where he is resting and consulting with his doctors. He is scheduled to return to London on August 12,” he said.

"His physical condition is still not very good, and there has not been significant improvement. The third phase of his therapy concluded on July 30, and the next stage of treatment will begin soon. Before that, he wants to spend a few days in Bangladesh," he said.

Providing an update on the actor's recovery, Arshad said Kanchan is now able to speak, albeit slowly, and still experiences some slurring.

Read more

Ilias Kanchan recovering steadily in London, says family

"At times, even after speaking for several minutes, he is unable to complete a full sentence. We remain hopeful that he will recover," he added.