Model and television actress Samira Khan Mahi was crowned Miss Universe Bangladesh 2026 at a ceremony in Dhaka on November 7, earning the chance to represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico on November 24.
Mahi, who began her career in modelling in 2014, received the crown from last year's winner, Tangia Zaman Methila. She became visibly emotional as her name was announced, placing a hand over her chest before embracing Methila and walking across the stage to applause.
The new winner 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, while actress Toma Mirza was also on stage for the announcement.
Among those attending the ceremony were Mustafa Rafiqul Islam Duke, managing director of Flora Telecom Limited and national director of Miss Universe Bangladesh, actress Dighi, filmmaker Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, as well as models and choreographers.
According to the organisers, activities for the international pageant in Puerto Rico are scheduled to begin on November 11. Mahi is set to compete against contestants from around the world.
Born Farzana Yasmin Koli, she adopted the name Samira Khan Mahi in 2014 as she began building her career in the entertainment industry. Her first major break came through the Rong RTV 20-20 Colours Model Search competition, where she finished as the first runner-up.
The achievement opened doors to fashion shows, runway appearances, advertisements and photo shoots. She gradually established herself in the modelling industry, but her career was interrupted by illness. Mahi stepped away from work for nearly three years before deciding to return and explore new opportunities.
Acting was not part of her original career plan. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, she began considering a move into the field. After preparing for the transition, she started working regularly in television dramas towards the end of 2021.
Her workload grew quickly, with more than 30 dramas to her credit over a six-month period at one point. The series ‘Girls Squad’ became an important turning point, helping her reach a wider audience as an actress. She later appeared in productions including ‘Hangor’, alongside other television dramas and web content.
By 2025, Mahi had acted in more than 120 television dramas. While her career has continued to grow, she has also expressed an interest in taking on more varied roles beyond glamour-focused characters.
Mahi has also faced scrutiny on social media over her appearance, styling and personal choices. Photographs shared without make-up, in particular, attracted negative comments. Despite the criticism, she has sought to remain focused on her work and professional growth.
Speaking after winning the national title, Mahi credited her parents' encouragement and asked for the public's support ahead of the international competition.
“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,” she said.
Mahi succeeds Methila, who represented Bangladesh at the 74th Miss Universe competition in 2025. Competing against contestants from 122 countries, Methila reached the top 30, securing Bangladesh's first placement in the pageant. She also topped the People's Choice category.
Now, Mahi is preparing to follow in her predecessor's footsteps, taking her journey from the runway and television screens to the international stage.