Veteran film actor and Chairman of Nirapad Sarak Chai (Nischa), Ilias Kanchan, has returned to Bangladesh temporarily after spending more than 15 months in the United Kingdom undergoing treatment for brain cancer.
He arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday afternoon and sought prayers from the people of Bangladesh for his recovery.
Earlier in the day, Kanchan departed London's Heathrow Airport for Dhaka, accompanied by his daughter and son-in-law.
The actor has been receiving treatment in London since April last year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. During his stay, he lived with his daughter and underwent regular treatment at a London hospital.
In August last year, he underwent brain surgery, during which doctors removed a substantial portion of the tumour. However, the remaining portion could not be removed because of the high surgical risk. Subsequent tests confirmed that the tumour was cancerous.
According to family sources, Kanchan underwent more than 60 chemotherapy sessions over 12 weeks, receiving treatment five days a week. He later completed two consecutive six-month courses of oral therapy. Altogether, he has undergone nearly 100 chemotherapy sessions across three phases of treatment.
Having completed the third phase of therapy, Kanchan chose to return home temporarily before resuming his treatment in the UK.
His son Mirajul Moin Joy said the actor's condition has shown encouraging improvement, although further treatment remains necessary.
"The latest update from the doctors is that the tumour has shrunk significantly, which is certainly encouraging and a positive sign," Joy said.
"He will not stay in Bangladesh for long. We hope to return to the UK later this month to complete the remaining treatment. His next brain MRI is expected to take place toward the end of the month, and his long-term recovery will depend on the outcome of the remaining course of treatment," he added.