Photo: PID

Before stepping towards the final stage of the 68th edition of the Miss Universe beauty pageant, Shirin Akter Shela, the winner of the first Miss Universe Bangladesh (MUB) had the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at her official residence Gono Bhaban, on Saturday evening.

 “It was a great honour and pleasure to meet the Honourable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. She showed keen interest in the whole process of this international beauty pageant,” said Rizwan Farouq, the Chairman of MUB. “The Prime Minister believes that this is an excellent opportunity to positively brand Bangladesh internationally. Sheikh Hasina has always been supportive of women empowerment, and she also assured all support from the Government,” he added.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader took the initiative to arrange the meet up. During the meeting, the Prime Minister mentioned that women are coming forward in all sectors in the country, and gave her blessings to Shela.

Each of the contestants from individual countries around the world will pursue the show for a unique cause. According to Rizwan Farouq, Shela’s cause is to take a stand stand for climate protection and to represent the heritage of Bangladesh.

Shirin Akter Shela will be flying to Atlanta, Georgia on November 28 to represent Bangladesh in the international platform of Miss Universe 2019. This is the first time that Bangladesh is participating in the biggest beauty pageant competition of the world. The Grand Finale of the competition is going to be held on December 8. It will be telecasted live in 130 countries.

Along with Shela, Rizwan Farouq, the First Runner-up of MUB, Alisha Islam, Second Runner-up Jessia Islam and the Director of MUB, Tahrin Faiyaz Sareeta were also present at the meet.