by Staff Reporter (The Independent)

Miss Bangladesh Sonia Gazi will participate in the Miss World 2000 contest at the Millennium Dome, London today (Thursday).

A total of 100 best beauties representing 100 countries will participate in the colourful function dubbed as "Millennium Miss World Contest Show".

Sonia Gazi was recognised as the best beauty of Bangladesh on June 8 this year when she won the crown in the Miss Bangladesh contest organised jointly by Bangla tabloid Manabjamin and London-based organisation Link Promotion, according to a press release.

She was adjudged best beauty in terms of physical beauty and personality from among 2768 contestants. She is representing Bangladesh in the Miss World 2000 contest.

Twenty one year old Sonia Gazi is a Bangladeshi citizen by birth and lives permanently in Dhaka. Five feet 6 inches tall Sonia is studying Clothing and Textiles at the Home Economics College, Dhaka. Her hobbies are modelling, swimming and cycling. She has been involved in cultural activities since childhood. She participated in many fashion shows as a model of Bibi Productions. She also choreographies. She was adjudged best model by a leading magazine of the country in 1997.

Sonia became a model of Aromatic Beauty Soap advertisement in 1998. The advertisement is being regularly shown in BTV and other Bangla satellite channels.

The Miss World Contest in London today will be shown live through satellite in 155 countries.

Miss World Contest turns 50 this year. Alongside contestant beauties, best beauties of 50 years will be present in the function.

Dainik Manabjamin chief editor Motiur Rahman Chowdhury and Link Promotion's Nabab Uddin and Manzurul Azim Palash will be present at the Millennium Dome, London during the contest as guests.