For the first time in Bangladesh, a major fashion and lifestyle retailer has started charging customers for carry bags, something that was previously provided for free. The move has sparked mixed reactions and frustration among shoppers and has now drawn legal attention.
Lifestyle retail giant Aarong recently began charging customers separately for its branded paper bags. The price varies depending on the size of the bag. Previously, these bags were complimentary with any purchase.
Supreme Court lawyer Nishat Farzana has issued a legal notice to Aarong, urging the brand to withdraw the decision. The notice describes the initiative as “an example of exploitative business mentality.”
“I have not filed the complaint as a lawyer but as a loyal customer of Aarong. I have been buying stuff from Aarong for ages now but recently when I made some purchases, I was told that I must buy the bag in which I would carry the goods. I found that they were charging for these bags because they would donate the proceeds to environmental causes,” she said.
She added, “However, if that is the case then they could have formed a separate body for this instead of charging the customers for bags that were not even sustainable since the quality of these is very poor. As a customer I think it is extremely unfair to charge for these bags in this manner.”
Aarong has circulated a promotional leaflet to customers, claiming that all proceeds from bag sales will be used for local tree plantation projects under their greening initiative. However, many customers remain unconvinced.
“Aarong is the world’s largest craft store. This is not acceptable from such a big brand,” said one female customer at Aarong’s flagship store in Dhaka.
Another female customer shared her discomfort: “After paying for the products, being asked whether I want to buy a bag puts me in an awkward situation. It feels unnecessary.”
A male shopper who spent Tk3,900 recounted his experience: “They asked me if I wanted to carry the items by hand or pay extra for a bag. It felt absurd.”
Several customers also questioned the reasoning behind Aarong’s tree plantation claim.
“If Aarong wants to plant trees, they have plenty of resources to do it themselves,” said one woman. “Why should customers’ money be used for that?”
Another male customer echoed the sentiment: “They can plant trees with their own funds. Why should we pay for it?”
Some customers pointed out that other brands do not charge for bags, and that Aarong’s policy leaves them with no real choice after making expensive purchases.
Despite repeated attempts, Aarong officials could not be reached for comment. Phone calls and emails went unanswered, and staff at the flagship store avoided speaking to the press regarding the issue.
