Responding to recent rumors and misinformation, Aarong released a statement on Monday regarding a circulating panjabi design, denouncing what it termed as a deliberate campaign to spread falsehoods, especially during the festive Eid season.
The statement expressed dismay over the systematic dissemination of misinformation by vested interest groups, aiming to tarnish Aarong’s reputation and disrupt sales during peak festival periods like Eid and Pohela Boishakh.
Established 46 years ago with a mission to uplift rural livelihoods and alleviate poverty, Aarong now operates 29 retail outlets across Bangladesh along with an e-commerce platform serving international markets. The statement underscored that 75,000 artisans and their families, predominantly disadvantaged women, rely on Aarong for their livelihoods.
Highlighting Aarong’s role in reviving Bangladesh’s crafts and cultural heritage while fostering commercial opportunities for local products both domestically and internationally, the statement noted that half of Aarong’s profits are channeled into BRAC’s development programs benefiting impoverished communities.
The recent controversy erupted over a panjabi design purportedly featuring an LGBTQ flag, which gained traction across various social media platforms. Aarong’s statement aims to dispel the misinformation and reaffirm its commitment to its core values and contributions to society.
