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Published : 01 Oct 2025, 08:03 PM
Film actor and “Nirapad Sarak Chai” (NISCHA) chief Ilias Kanchan has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, according to his son Mirajul Moin Joy.
Joining virtually from Canada, Joy shared the information during a press conference organised by NISCHA at the National Press Club on Wednesday.
He said Kanchan had been unwell for the past seven months and under treatment in London for six months.
A statement from NISCHA read, “He [Joy] said ‘My father has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Treatment is ongoing’. In his remarks, he also presented NISCHA’s current position, the programme for National Road Safety Day, and the health condition of NISCHA’s founder.”
“Through the media, he informed the public that since the 26th of April, Kanchan has been staying in London solely for medical reasons.”
The media briefing was organised to inaugurate a month-long programme marking National Road Safety Day 2025 on Oct 22.
The media statement was circulated to the media by Liton Arshad, NISCHA founding member and vice-chairman.
When asked why the illness was being disclosed now despite Kanchan being unwell for months, Liton told bdnews24.com: “His family did not want the media to know. If they knew, everyone would call and enquire, which could have hampered his treatment.
“They [the family] might have decided to share it when the time was right. Now they want everyone’s prayers. That is why it has been made public.”
In late April, Kanchan announced the launch of a new political party called Janata Party Bangladesh. He became its chairman, appointing journalist Shaukat Mahmood as secretary general.
Mahmood had been expelled from the BNP about two years earlier.
Speaking to bdnews24.com, Mahmood said: “He has a brain tumour. He underwent surgery at a hospital in London, where his treatment continues.”
In mid-September, Bangladeshi-born US citizen Enayet Karim was arrested near Minto Road for “suspicious activities”. Several media outlets reported that Enayet was linked to financing Kanchan’s political party.
Asked if the disclosure of Kanchan’s illness was connected to this development, Liton said: “No, no, that is not the case. He has one son and one daughter. They thought that October is always filled with NISCHA programmes, so things should not come to a standstill.
“You should know that October is a month of mourning for him,” he added. “The most tragic incident of his life happened during this time. That is why he is always active in October, attending programmes in Dhaka and across the country.
“He also attends government events on National Road Safety Day. This year, his family wanted to ensure that NISCHA’s activities continue and that none of October’s programmes are disrupted. That is why they revealed it now.”
On questions about party financing, Liton said: “NISCHA knows nothing about that.”
According to the statement, “On the 5th of August, Professor Dimitrios led a surgery on Ilias Kanchan’s head at Wellington Hospital in London. Doctors said the tumour could not be fully removed. He could face life-threatening risks, paralysis, or lose the ability to walk and speak.
“Trusting the doctors’ advice, the family permitted partial removal of the tumour. Doctors said the remaining part would be treated with radiation and chemotherapy.”
It added, “In total, 30 days of radiation and chemotherapy are required, to be administered five days a week over six weeks. This phase of treatment will begin this month. After that, he will remain under observation for four weeks. Once permitted by doctors, he will be able to return to Bangladesh.”
