When beauty meets courage — Meghna Alam crowns a queen, and redefines freedom

Bangladesh has witnessed a new chapter of women’s leadership, diplomacy, and social impact through beauty with the grand event of “Miss Bangladesh Impact Forum 2025.”

At a heartfelt ceremony held at Chhayatal Bangladesh’s campus, surrounded by underprivileged children, Miss Meghna Alam, Chairperson of Miss Bangladesh Foundation, placed the coveted crown of Miss Earth Bangladesh 2025 on the head of Miss Sumaiya Harun.

The event was not just a pageant—it was a movement blending elegance with empathy, leadership, and global responsibility.

Miss Bangladesh Foundation’s Chairperson Meghna Alam, a political educator and visionary advocate of women’s leadership, has recently drawn both national and international attention for her fearless stance on freedom of speech and judicial transparency in Bangladesh.

In a statement that resonated widely across local and international media, Meghna spoke boldly regarding the controversy involving Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Essa Yousef Essa Al Duhailan, emphasizing that:

“Bangladesh is a nation where no one, regardless of their foreign status or influence, stands above justice or freedom of the press.”

Her remarks have been hailed as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s journey toward institutional justice and expressive freedom — showcasing the country’s growing confidence in standing up for sovereignty and human rights on the global stage.

The current interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus has emphasized freedom of expression, media independence, and gender empowerment — values that were powerfully reflected in this very event.

Meghna Alam’s public statement on judicial accountability and women’s voices is seen as evidence that freedom of thought and speech are no longer abstract promises but living realities in today’s Bangladesh.

At just 24, Sumaiya Harun, a Bangladeshi-Canadian model and SDG entrepreneur, has been crowned Miss Earth Bangladesh 2025.
She said:

“A true queen wears her crown not for beauty, but for responsibility. She protects the planet, awakens hearts, and leaves footprints of hope wherever she stands. I want to work for sustainable development, environmental education, and youth leadership.”

Sumaiya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from North South University and currently works as a Business Development Executive at Canadian Overseas Business Inc., where she helps build a global network of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs abroad.

The Miss Bangladesh Impact Forum, established under the leadership of Meghna Alam, focuses on three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Climate Action (SDG 13)

• Gender Equality (SDG 5)

• Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

Each year, the foundation sends Bangladeshi representatives to international beauty and diplomacy forums across six continents, promoting Bangladesh’s soft power through culture, compassion, and climate diplomacy.

“A woman is not just a symbol of beauty; she is the symbol of life itself.
This year, I wanted to celebrate my birthday not in a five-star hotel but among children — the purest hearts of all.
Our theme this year is ‘Nature, Children, and Love,’ celebrated through art, menstrual health awareness storytelling, and a symbolic tree plantation drive.”
— Meghna Alam, Chairperson, Miss Bangladesh Foundation

Her message has earned praise from international women’s rights organizations and foreign media outlets. Influential women entrepreneurs from Canada, Japan, and the Middle East have expressed their support for Meghna Alam, recognizing her as a symbol of Bangladesh’s fearless new generation of women leaders.

The event was attended by:

• Meghna Alam, Chairperson, Miss Bangladesh Foundation

• Dr. Tasin Afrin Dayana, SDG Coordinator & Oral Surgeon, Dhaka Dental Hospital

• Tahrin Zerin, International Legal Advisor

• Ferdousi Tanvir Ichchha, Miss Earth Bangladesh 2024

• Jumana Nailat Shokh, Miss Culture Global 2024

• Maleka Parvin Molly, Principal, Ovillus Training Institute & Managing Director, Medicare Japan

• Touhidun Nahar Dipty, Vice-Chairperson, Chhayatal Bangladesh

Official Partners:

• Hospitality Partner: Le Méridien Dhaka

• Media Partner: Hernet TV

• Strategic Partner: Hernet Foundation

“Miss Earth Bangladesh 2025” is not merely a beauty contest—it is a testament to Bangladesh’s growing courage in freedom, leadership, and global diplomacy.