Platform 9¾ at Miniso: All aboard the Hogwarts Express!

For Harry Potter fans, walking into the 'Harry Potter x Miniso Grand Launch' event at Centrepoint, Uttara, felt like stepping into Diagon Alley for the first time—wide-eyed and eager to shop for all the magical stationery you'd need as a first-year at Hogwarts.

On 20 December, a massive crowd gathered to witness the unveiling of the first-ever Harry Potter merchandise collection by Miniso Bangladesh—a moment that has made local Potterheads' dreams come true.

The event was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by Md Kamal Hossain, the franchise owner of Miniso Bangladesh. With a beaming smile, he shared his pride in bringing this international-quality Harry Potter collection to Bangladesh. 

"This is the first time Harry Potter merchandise has been introduced in our country, and we've ensured only the best for our Miniso family," he said. 

He also announced that while Harry Potter items would be available across all Miniso outlets soon, the complete collection would remain exclusive to the Centrepoint outlet.

The event's lively energy and magical details left fans with not just bags of Harry Potter goodies but also hearts full of joy. Even though Hedwig seemed to have lost his way with my Hogwarts letter, we at least now have the Hedwig plushie to keep us company while we practice our spells for a perfect OWLs score!

Adding to the excitement, Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Director of Evince Group, hinted at even bigger plans for the future. "This launch is a huge leap towards something extraordinary," he said, revealing Miniso Bangladesh's intention to introduce popular merchandise like 'Minions', 'Barbie', 'Pokemon', 'Zootopia', 'Snoopy', and 'Powerpuff Girls' in 2025.

Amidst the excitement, we met Sayma, a 12-year-old Potterhead dressed in Ravenclaw robes, alongside her mother, Anika Rehman, donning Hufflepuff colours. "I've been a Harry Potter fan for the longest time, and I'm so happy my daughter shares this love, too," Anika shared with a smile. 

When asked why she was so eager to attend the launch, Sayma excitedly said, "I want to decorate my room with a Harry Potter theme, and now I can finally do it with this merch!"

The event drew fans of all ages, some arriving hours early to secure their place in the much-anticipated line. Miniso offered a special treat for the first 150 customers—a goodie bag full of Harry Potter merchandise for purchases over BDT 1500. 

Rayhan, who stood in line with his friends Ananda and Taqmir since 8 AM, was determined to be one of the first to enter. "We all grew up watching Harry Potter," he said. "I used to wonder why people would stand in long queues like this, but now I understand. It's worth every second to get my hands on this magical merch."

The launch event wasn't just about shopping, it was an immersive Harry Potter experience. Popular magician Razik Mohtasin, better known as "Magic Razik," entertained the crowd with a few spellbinding tricks. 

Fans enjoyed themed foods, posed with mascots dressed as beloved Harry Potter characters, and participated in magical activities like the Sorting Hat ceremony. 

The Centrepoint shopping mall served as the perfect venue for this magical event. Miniso transformed its store into a Harry Potter wonderland, complete with enchanting decorations and displays that delighted fans of all ages. 

The entire atmosphere felt like a chapter from J K Rowling's iconic series brought to life. Walking in, it was hard not to think of the Great Hall at Hogwarts- with its floating candles and pure magic everywhere you looked. 

As the day went on, attendees explored the exclusive collection, snapped photos, and made unforgettable memories. From wands and plush toys to Hogwarts-themed stationery, no matter which house you belonged to—Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff, there was something for everyone. 

The event's lively energy and magical details left fans with not just bags of Harry Potter goodies but also hearts full of joy. Even though Hedwig seemed to have lost his way with my Hogwarts letter, we at least now have the Hedwig plushie to keep us company while we practice our spells for a perfect OWLs score!

Photo: Courtesy