Bangladesh- Aarong celebrates 40th Anniversary in style

(MENAFN- Bangladesh Monitor) Dhaka : Aarong, country's most popular lifestyle retail chain celebrated its 40th founding anniversary through hosting of a three-day colourful festival at the Bangladesh Army Stadium in city.

The festival that rolled out its red carpet on October 25 was organised aiming to promote Bangladesh's traditional art and fashion.

The main attraction of the festival was a fashion show featuring products from Aarong's sub-brands Taaga, Taaga Man and Herstory. Specially crafted Nakshi Katha and Jamdani Sharees were also showcased.

The Aarong 40 Years Festival was inaugurated at Army Stadium by Asaduzzaman Noor, Minister for Cultural Affairs. Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson, BRAC and Tamara Hasan Abed, Senior Director, BRAC Enterprises presented the opening remarks to start the three-day festival celebrating the enterprise's 40th anniversary.

During the special programme, Aarong recognised 40 outstanding craftsperson and entrepreneurs from various industries at the festival.

Asaduzzaman Noor, Minister of Cultural Affairs said, women have played a notable role in the development of the country. Aarong is contributing greatly in creating employment for women.

He said, it takes many a struggle to become self-sufficient and Aarong has been assisting in that battle. Aarong has also contributed in preserving the cultural heritage of our country.

Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson, BRAC said that Aarong was established right after the independence of Bangladesh with the objective to eradicate poverty.

There were many obstacles during the founding years. But from a professional point of view, they prioritised the interest of the poverty-stricken producers. He said that Aarong has preserved the lost heritage while giving it a commercial form.

Tamara Hasan Abed, Senior Director, BRAC Enterprises said, Aarong and Bangladesh have grown together. Today, Aarong has created employment for 65 thousand people.

She said that the festival was organised to introduce the younger generation with Aarong's journey of 40 years and the heritage of Bangladesh.

Aarong was established in 1978 to support the lives and livelihoods of rural artisans.

Over the last 40 years, Aarong has fused traditional, indigenous Bangladeshi heritage with contemporary design, setting the fashion and lifestyle trends of the country.

Aarong now supports over sixty-five thousand rural artisans and handicraft producers and operates 20 retail stores.

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