The former film star and road safety campaigner remains under intensive treatment as doctors monitor his recovery from brain cancer.
DHAKA, Bangladesh | June 10, 2026
Ilias Kanchan, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated film actors and a prominent road safety activist, is continuing treatment for brain cancer in the United Kingdom as he faces one of the most difficult periods of his life.
The veteran actor has been receiving medical care in London since last year after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. He is currently staying with his daughter, Ima Islam, while undergoing treatment.
Kanchan, who is also chairman of the road safety organization Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA), underwent brain surgery at a hospital in London in August 2025. Doctors were able to remove a significant portion of the tumor but could not remove it completely because of medical risks. Later examinations confirmed that he had brain cancer.
A Long and Demanding Treatment Journey
Following the surgery, Kanchan began an extensive treatment program that has included chemotherapy and oral therapy.
According to family sources, he underwent nearly 60 chemotherapy sessions as part of a 12-week treatment schedule. The treatment was administered five days a week.
After completing the first three-month phase of oral therapy, he is now undergoing a second three-month phase, which is expected to continue until July 30.
Despite the lengthy treatment process, family members say his condition has not yet shown the level of improvement they had hoped for.
Doctors See Some Positive Signs
Liton Ershad, Vice Chairman of NISCHA and a close associate of Kanchan, said doctors have informed the family that the cancer remains in the same area where it was originally detected after surgery.
Importantly, medical examinations have found no evidence that the cancer has spread to other parts of his body.
Doctors consider this a positive development and remain hopeful that his condition may improve after the current phase of oral therapy is completed.
“They will reassess his condition after July 30 and decide on the next course of treatment,” Ershad said.
Daily Challenges Remain
Although Kanchan can communicate, speaking has become increasingly difficult.
According to Ershad, the actor speaks slowly and sometimes struggles to complete sentences. Even short conversations can be challenging, and it often takes significant effort for him to express his thoughts fully.
His eating habits have also changed. While he is still able to eat normally, maintaining a regular routine has become more difficult during treatment.
Family Support Provides Strength
For decades, Kanchan was a familiar face in Bangladeshi cinema and later became a leading advocate for road safety after the death of his wife in a road accident. Through NISCHA, he played a major role in raising public awareness about traffic safety in Bangladesh.
Today, much of his time is spent attending medical follow-ups and staying with family in London.
Relatives say the support of his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren has become an important source of comfort during his treatment.
Recent family photographs shared on social media showed the actor smiling while spending time with loved ones, leading some supporters to believe his health had improved significantly. However, those close to him say the road to recovery remains long and uncertain.
A Familiar Figure in Bangladesh
Ilias Kanchan is widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most recognizable film personalities. Beyond his acting career, he is known internationally for his advocacy work on road safety and his efforts to reduce traffic-related deaths in Bangladesh.
His health condition has drawn widespread attention from fans, colleagues, and members of the Bangladeshi community both at home and abroad.
Key Facts
📌 Ilias Kanchan is receiving treatment for brain cancer in London.
📌 He underwent brain surgery in August 2025.
📌 Doctors removed a large portion of the tumor but could not remove it completely.
📌 He has undergone nearly 60 chemotherapy sessions and is currently receiving oral therapy.
📌 Medical reports indicate the cancer has not spread to other parts of his body.
📌 Doctors are expected to reassess his condition after the current treatment phase ends on July 30.
Sources
- Information provided by Liton Ershad, Vice Chairman of Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA)
- Family sources close to Ilias Kanchan
- Reporting by Prothom Alo
