Last Day to Vote for Mithila

The 74th Miss Universe pageant is currently under way in Thailand, where Bangladesh is being represented by Tanzia Zaman Mithila. Speaking from Pattaya during a break from rehearsals, the model and actress shared her journey with journalist Monjur Kader.

Mithila began her career on the runway. She made her acting debut in 2019 with the Indian director Haider Khan’s film Rohingya. In the same year, she won the titles “Face of Bangladesh” and “Face of Asia”. Her major breakthrough came in 2020 when she was crowned Miss Universe Bangladesh. Reflecting on that period, she said the preparation for the global pageant was the greatest challenge she had faced. “People criticised me a lot. Many thought I could never achieve anything. I felt hurt, but I never let anyone see it. Deep down I always knew I would achieve something good.” Due to time constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, she was unable to take part in the main Miss Universe event that year.

After years of preparation, Mithila once again won the national crown in 2025. She left Dhaka for Thailand on 2 November, encouraged by her family and close friends. Their faith strengthened her confidence as she headed to Bangkok. “I never imagined I would receive such overwhelming support from the people of Bangladesh,” she said. “It feels like we can truly achieve something extraordinary.” Her rise into the top ranks of the People’s Choice voting has brought further attention from colleagues, friends and well-wishers. She credits her mother as her strongest source of inspiration, along with the steadfast support of her siblings, uncles, aunts and cousins.

During two intensive weeks at the Miss Universe camp, Mithila learnt time management, discipline and new ways of presenting herself. “I’ve made many friends here. I’ve learnt how sisterhood works and how to build meaningful relationships. Miss Universe has shaped me into a new version of myself. My communication skills have improved tremendously.”

Ahead of the final results, she is keeping herself calm and collected. “Whatever happens, my responsibility is to give my best.” Despite fluctuations in voting, she remains optimistic. “Bangladesh was once number one, now we’re number two. Incredible! We’ve shown how far Bangladeshis can go when they unite. Tomorrow is the last day—I hope Bangladesh returns to the top. With people’s love, nothing is impossible.”

Today marks the final day of voting for the People’s Choice Award. Bangladeshi supporters can help Mithila secure a direct place in the Top 30 by selecting Bangladesh in the Miss Universe app, choosing “Get Vote”, and then selecting Tanzia Zaman Mithila under the “People’s Choice” section. Additional votes can be cast by watching each advert shown in the app.

The final results will be announced on 21 November. Mithila says she already feels victorious: “The love from my country is my greatest achievement. That alone gives me strength for the journey ahead.”

When asked what she would prioritise if she wins, she replied, “My first goal is to work towards ending hunger. I’ve been involved in such work since 2016, raising funds and helping people through crises and floods, as well as supporting street children. I’ve done these things simply as a human being. If I become Miss Universe, I’ll begin my work from Bangladesh. I truly believe charity begins at home.”