This year, Miss Universe will have the first Muslim model from Bangladesh. Shirin Akter is the Miss Universe Bangladesh and has been selected to represent her country at the renowned beauty pageant.

Sushmita Sen, ex Miss Universe crowned the third-year physics student, Shirin last week. This is the first time that someone from Bangladesh and from South Asian Muslim-majority country will compete for the title of Miss Universe internationally.

“I am very glad to be a part of this momentous occasion. Tonight we make history. Do you want to know how? We make history because for the first time, a girl from Bangladesh will represent this beautiful country at Miss Universe competition,” Sushmita said during the event.

Other countries competing for the Miss Universe 2019 crown include Nepal, India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan has never competed in the Miss Universe pageant.