Popular television actress Samira Khan Mahi was crowned 'Miss Universe Bangladesh 2026' at a grand ceremony held at a hotel in the capital on Saturday (7 November).
Mahi succeeds last year's titleholder, Tanjia Zaman Mithila, and is set to represent Bangladesh on the global stage.
The crowning moment brought high anticipation to the venue. Upon hearing her name announced, an emotional Mahi placed her hands over her chest before outgoing titleholder Tanjia Zaman Mithila placed the crown upon her head.
The two embraced and walked the stage together to enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Mahi wore a champagne-gold embellished off-shoulder mermaid gown adorned with heavy stone work for the occasion, while outgoing queen Mithila appeared in a light blue and silver gown. Actress Toma Mirza was present on stage during the winner's announcement, along with film actress Dighi, director Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, and several prominent models and choreographers.
According to the organizers, Samira Khan Mahi will compete for Bangladesh at the 75th Miss Universe competition, which is scheduled to begin on 11 November in Puerto Rico along the Atlantic coast. Mahi expressed immense delight at the opportunity to represent her country on the international stage.
Sharing her immediate reaction, Mahi 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 made Bangladesh proud. If I win, Bangladesh wins."
Mahi follows in the footsteps of Tanjia Zaman Mithila, who represented Bangladesh at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in 2025. Competing alongside contestants from 122 countries, Mithila made history by securing a spot in the Top 30—marking Bangladesh's first-ever placement in Miss Universe history—while also securing the top position in the People's Choice category. Mahi now aims to build on that historical benchmark on the global stage.