Aarong recently held a press conference at BRAC Centre in Dhaka to address public concerns, clarify misconceptions and share the impact of its Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) campaign.
Launched to reduce unnecessary paper bag consumption and encourage sustainable everyday habits, Aarong introduced a nominal charge for shopping bags from September 2025, reads a press release.
At the same time, customers bringing their own bags received a cashback of Tk15, aimed at encouraging positive behavioural change.
Over seven months, from September 2025 to March 2026, the campaign achieved significant environmental impact.
According to Aarong, 46,79,721 paper bags were saved compared to the same period last year, equivalent to 6,000 trees. The initiative also raised Tk2,89,90,812 from paper bag sales.
Aarong confirmed 100 percent of the proceeds would be reinvested in environmental and tree-planting initiatives across Bangladesh.
Building on the campaign, Aarong announced three new initiatives. These include distribution of 80,000 tree saplings to 40,000 participants of BRAC’s Ultra Poor Graduation Programme nationwide, restoration work in the Barind region in Rajshahi including irrigation support and plantation of 50,000 trees under the Habitat Co-Creation initiative, and plantation of 20,000 trees through two Miyawaki forests in Demra and Rupganj in partnership with Mission Green Bangladesh.
During the briefing, Aarong thanked its customers for supporting the initiative.
Tamara Hasan Abed, managing director of BRAC Enterprises said, “Most of our customers are conscientious citizens, who are well aligned with Aarong’s sustainable philosophy. They appreciated this campaign, encouraged us and we thank them for their belief in the right thing to do, even at a slight inconvenience to them, and for trusting us as an organisation.”
Aarong also acknowledged the importance of customer feedback, while stressing that harassment, threats against staff and filming employees without consent were unacceptable.
The organisation would continue promoting mindful consumption, slow fashion and the use of sustainable materials and processes throughout its supply chain as part of its broader commitment to building a greener, more sustainable and resilient Bangladesh.
