TBT DESK
Television actress Samira Khan Mahi has been crowned Miss Universe Bangladesh 2026 at a ceremony held at a hotel in the capital on Saturday.
Mahi became visibly emotional when her name was announced, placing a hand over her chest. Last year’s winner, Tangia Zaman Methila, then placed the crown on her head. The two embraced before walking across the stage together to applause from the audience.
Mahi wore a champagne-gold, off-the-shoulder mermaid gown embellished with stones. Methila appeared in a pale blue and silver gown with fan-shaped shoulder detailing. Actress Toma Mirza was also on stage when the winner was announced.
Among those attending were Mustafa Rafiqul Islam Duke, managing director of Flora Telecom Limited and national director of Miss Universe Bangladesh, actress Dighi, filmmaker Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, models and choreographers.
According to the organisers, Mahi will represent Bangladesh at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico, with activities scheduled to begin on November 11.
A familiar face on television, Mahi now adds a national pageant title to her acting career.
Speaking after her win, she said, “My parents told me, ‘Go and conquer the world.’ I ask for everyone’s prayers so that I can return having conquered the world and make Bangladesh proud. If I win, Bangladesh wins.”
Mahi succeeds Methila, who represented Bangladesh at the 74th Miss Universe competition in 2025. Competing against contestants from 122 countries, Methila secured a place in the top 30, marking Bangladesh’s first placement at the pageant. She also topped the People’s Choice category.
Mahi will now follow in her predecessor’s footsteps as she prepares to represent Bangladesh on the international stage.
