Ilias Kanchan heading home after UK treatment

Veteran Bangladeshi film actor Ilias Kanchan is returning home for a brief visit after spending more than a year in the United Kingdom (UK) undergoing treatment for a brain tumour.

The acclaimed actor departed London's Heathrow Airport for Dhaka on Monday morning (August 3-BST), according to Liton Ershad, vice president of the road safety campaign Nirapad Sarak Chai.

Ershad said Kanchan is travelling with his son-in-law, Ariful Islam Collins, but clarified that the visit is only temporary.

"This is not a permanent return. His next round of medical evaluations is scheduled in London on August 15, so he will have to travel back to the UK before August 14," he said.

Kanchan has been receiving intensive treatment for a brain tumour and has undergone nearly 60 chemotherapy sessions so far. The prolonged treatment has significantly affected his physical appearance, with recent photographs showing the veteran actor sporting white hair and a beard.

According to Ershad, Kanchan's recovery has yet to meet expectations despite extensive medical care. However, his family continues to ensure he receives the best possible treatment in London. His short visit to Bangladesh was arranged in response to his personal wish to spend a few days at home.

The veteran actor travelled to the United Kingdom in April 2025 for advanced treatment. He underwent brain surgery later that year, but doctors were unable to remove a significant portion of the tumour due to medical complications. Since then, he has remained under specialist care, receiving regular chemotherapy and follow-up treatment.

Widely respected both for his distinguished film career and his long-standing road safety advocacy, Kanchan's return is expected to draw an emotional response from admirers across the country.