Aarong on Monday issued a statement addressing the recent panjabi design that widely circulated on social media, stating that there was systematic dissemination of misinformation orchestrated by vested interest groups, particularly during this Eid season.
“Our producers plan and prepare all year round for festivals like Eid and Pohela Boishakh, which is the peak season. It is extremely unfortunate that a systematic misinformation campaign is being orchestrated by vested interest groups, especially during this festive period. The objective is to tarnish the reputation of Aarong and disrupt sales,” the statement reads.
It adds that Aarong was born 46 years back, out of the need to create livelihood opportunities in rural Bangladesh and to bring people out of poverty.
“Now, with 29 retail stores across Bangladesh, and an e-commerce platform to serve international markets, 75,000 artisans and their families depend on Aarong for their livelihoods, the majority of whom are disadvantaged women,” it reads.
Aarong has worked for the revival and mainstream popularity of the crafts and rich heritage of Bangladesh as well as created huge commercial potential for local products at home and abroad. It is noteworthy that half of Aarong's profits are spent on BRAC's development programs for people living in poverty, the statement adds.
Recently, a post featuring a panjabi by Aarong, allegedly displaying an LGBTQ flag, has circulated widely on social media platforms.