Former Miss Universe Bangladesh Shirin Akter Shela is moving forward in strides, in her representation of Bangladesh across international platforms.

The model-turned-actress is now in South Korea, where she took part in the 2022 Asia Model Festival as one of the judges. She was also honoured with the Model Star Award in a celebration of the craft of modeling, contested by 19 countries.

"It feels surreal", said Shela to the Daily Star. "I am at the after-party at the moment, and I feel incredibly proud to have represented Bangladesh among so many talents from various nations."

(From left) Hasnat Jami, Shirin Akter Shela and Mir Maryam Ahmed.

Shela, who could barely contain her excitement over the phone, said, "I was at the competitor's side in 2019, and this time, I could sit at the judge's table. I am also very proud of the Bangladeshi contingent in the programme, who also performed very well."

From Bangladesh, Mir Maryam Ahmed got to the top 10 in the Face of Asia segment. Hasnat Jami, a male model, also fared well.

"I would like to thank Crosswalk Communications and Azra Mahmood for not only the opportunity, but also doing so much for the modeling scene in Bangladesh," said Shela, who is honing not only her modeling, but acting and dance skills.

However, even though she is shaping up to be an all-rounder, she is adamant that her true identity is still as a model. "If I had to pick something other than modeling, it would be acting, but I will always be a model through and through."