For Aklima Atika Konika, Bangladesh’s representative at Miss World 2025, it all began with a surprising, last-minute call. With the 72nd edition of the prestigious pageant looming and a demanding international timeline, Azra Mahmood, the new licensee for Miss World Bangladesh, made a decisive choice. Konika, already a recognised face as the 1st Runner-Up of Miss World Bangladesh 2024 and with international exposure from Face of Asia 2024 in Korea, was deemed the ideal candidate to embody the intelligence, elegance, and purpose that the Miss World organisation champions.
“It was chaotic!” Azra Mahmood confessed in the recent press conference, reflecting on the whirlwind that preceded Atika’s departure. “We got confirmation just days before the event, so we were arranging outfits and sponsors last minute.” This candid admission offers a glimpse into the immense pressure and rapid improvisation that defined the initial phase of Konika’s journey. She didn’t arrive with a perfectly rehearsed pageant persona; instead, she brought the raw, authentic spirit of someone showing up fully when the world was watching.
Representing Bangladesh at global stages, such as Miss World comes with a unique set of challenges and immense expectations. Historically, Bangladeshi contestants have faced the daunting task of standing out on a stage dominated by long-established pageant powerhouses, often with greater resources and infrastructure. Yet, each representative carries the hopes and aspirations of a nation. Indeed, as the adage goes, it takes a village, and the collective effort behind Konika’s journey was orchestrated by Azra Mahmood Talent Camp (AMTC). An important role in Aklima’s grooming and development was played by Miss Bangladesh in Training (MBIT). Her looks for Miss World were a collaboration of talent, with Mehruz Munir creating many of her key ensembles, supported by contributions from Raisa Amin Shaily, Fardin Bayezid, Biswajit & Trisha. The visual storytelling behind her journey was captured by the creative team, including photographer Naymul Islam, cinematographers Ashrafuzzaman Shakhhor and Polash Biswas, and choreographers Asaad Khan. Crucially, Efa Tabassum, a model, stylist, and Fashion Director, served as Aklima’s stylist and image architect.
Despite the initial scramble, Aklima Atika Konika appeared on the stage like she belonged there, possessing comfort in her own skin and immense pride in the culture of her country. Her Miss World journey truly began at the Opening Ceremony, where her rickshaw-inspired gown, designed by Raisha Amin Shaily, featuring a distinctive hood and incorporating actual rickshaw cutouts immediately sparked widespread conversation and drew considerable praise for its inventive construction and cultural significance. Throughout various rounds on the global stage, she was notably seen donning traditionally Bangladeshi attire more often than not. Beyond the iconic entrance, Zurhem artfully crafted many of her major looks, with their deep green gala gown particularly standing out. Mehruz Munir, Creative Director of Zurhem, reflected on the collaboration, stating, “It was such a pleasure collaborating with the entire Miss World Bangladesh team, led by Azra Mahmood. Both Azra and Aklima gave me complete creative freedom to design the gowns. We developed designs based on Aklima’s comfort and favourite colours, and everything came together incredibly fast – just under two weeks.”
The Miss World competition features several rigorous rounds, each designed to assess different attributes. One particularly memorable moment was the Talent Competition, in which Konika showcased her artistic side by performing a song she had composed herself. The Head-to-Head Challenge, a critical forum for articulating perspectives on global issues, proved to be particularly daunting. In a separate interview, Konika later confided, “The Head-to-Head Challenge was, without a doubt, the most difficult for me. Living with ADHD makes memorisation a significant hurdle. I initially struggled to deliver my pre-scripted response. But then, I decided to let go of the script and simply improvise, and I truly felt that’s when my performance soared.” However, the most important and central point remained the Beauty With a Purpose round. It is perhaps her work in mental health, particularly with neurodiverse children, that has most profoundly shaped her ‘Young Mind Matters’ project. With the complete scope of her ‘Young Mind Matters’ project yet to unfold, Konika’s background suggests a dedication to fostering authenticity and understanding for unheard voices.
As the curtains fell on Miss World 2025, Aklima Atika Konika’s performance remained a talking point. Her ability to pivot from a chaotic, last-minute preparation to making a strong impression – particularly with her culturally rich ensembles and powerful advocacy – highlighted that true impact lies not just in a title, but in the power of an individual to connect, inspire, and represent their nation with sincerity. Her presence left an impression that extends far beyond the final night of the competition, opening doors for future representatives and redefining what it means for Bangladesh to compete globally.