Why should customers pay for Aarong's branding?

Standing at Aarong's cash counter, what should have been a happy shopping day quickly turned frustrating for many. After picking out clothes, customers were asked to pay an extra 15 taka for a shopping bag, something that had always been complimentary. The sudden charge left many stunned and questioning the logic behind it.
A shopping bag is more than just a carrier; it is tied to habit, convenience, and trust. Paying extra to carry clothes feels unnecessary and even humiliating for customers who have long associated bag provision with the shopping experience. On social media, shoppers noted that a paper bag costs only 3-5 taka to produce. Charging 15 taka feels less like a sustainability measure and more like profit from the customer's pocket. Others questioned why they should fund Aarong's brand advertisement when the bag proudly displays the company logo.
Aarong argues that the fee is an environmentally conscious move to reduce waste, with proceeds going toward tree-planting and sustainability projects. While noble in theory, customers see a lack of transparency. There is no clarity on how the collected money is used, leaving people skeptical about the actual environmental impact.
The real issue here is a balance between consumer rights and environmental responsibility. Customers get blindsided when long-standing habits are abruptly changed. A bag may seem trivial, but for those who spend thousands on purchases, being asked to pay extra become disrespectful.
Ultimately, this is not about a 15-taka bag-it is about consumer dignity and trust. Aarong is a leading Bangladeshi brand, and small decisions like these reflect how it values its customers. Policies for environmental good must be transparent, fair, and empathetic to the very people who support the brand.

Md. Rished Ahmed, Student
Jagannath University, Dhaka
mdrishedahmed@gmail.com