This is more than a beauty queen’s tale; it’s a testament to the power of authenticity in an industry built on perfection. Aniqa Alam isn’t just wearing a crown; she’s redefining what it means to earn one.
In the glittering constellation of beauty queens, one star shines with a particularly compelling luminescence. Aniqa Alam, Miss Universe Bangladesh 2024, isn’t your typical pageant winner—and that’s exactly what makes her story so captivating. A political science graduate working in the Los Angeles mayor’s office trades power suits for makeup brushes, only to later don a crown as her nation’s first married mother to grace the Miss Universe stage.
Her journey from LA’s corridors of power to becoming Bangladesh’s makeup maven reads like a masterclass in following one’s truth. After establishing herself as a prominent makeup artist and trendsetter in Bangladesh’s burgeoning beauty industry, she caught the eye of National Director Shafiqul Islam, who saw in her a different kind of representative. “They probably saw potential in me,” she says with characteristic modesty, though anyone who’s witnessed her magnetic presence would beg to differ.
The 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico proved to be a transformative experience for Aniqa. “It was not only glamorous and fun; there were also very challenging moments,” she revealed, describing the intense journey that tested her resilience. The rigorous routines, daily presentations, and the pressure to maintain perfection pushed her to new limits. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour, one moment stood out above all: when she proudly announced “Bangladesh” on the global stage. “That moment of representing my country, standing alongside delegates from around the world, filled me with indescribable pride,” Aniqa recalled.
A highlight of her Miss Universe journey was the National Costume segment, where she wore a stunning creation designed by Zurhem and partly made by her mother. The intricate costume, embodying Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage, became a touching symbol of maternal collaboration—a mother supporting her daughter’s groundbreaking journey as Bangladesh’s first mom-queen. The ensemble not only showcased the country’s artistic traditions but also added a deeply personal dimension to Aniqa’s historic participation.
Her commitment to social causes, particularly her work towards SDG Goal: Zero Hunger, demonstrates that her crown carries purpose beyond pageantry. Long before the sparkle of the crown caught the world’s attention, Aniqa was already making a difference in her community. “I used to buy food and distribute it at night with my son,” she shares, proving that her commitment to social causes isn’t just pageant talk but a deeply ingrained part of who she is.
What’s next for this boundary-breaking beauty queen? With characteristic entrepreneurial spirit, Aniqa has her sights set on launching her own cosmetics line, while her passion for modeling has opened up exciting new horizons. Her approach to the future is as dynamic as her journey – keeping every door of opportunity open and ready to embrace whatever possibilities come her way. “A few months ago, I didn’t know I was going to be Miss Universe Bangladesh,” she adds with a knowing smile that suggests this is just the beginning of her story.
In a world hungry for authentic role models, Aniqa Alam emerges as a refreshing paradox: a beauty queen with substance, a mother with ambition, and a socialite with a social conscience. Her journey from the Miss Universe stage to her continued advocacy work proves that she is redefining what modern royalty looks like!
Interviewer & Feature Writer: Jannat Oishy
