Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee/Aarong

BRAC is a nongovernmental organization that has been engaged in rural development for the landless poor since 1972. BRAC was founded and is managed entirely by Bangladeshis. A handicraft marketing project called Aarong was established by BRAC in 1987. Some 20,000 artisans working through small community groups are involved with Aarong. Aarong now operates five retail stores in Bangladesh which sell the majority of its crafts; only about 25 percent are sold abroad. Global Exchange markets several embroidered crafts such as the Nakshi Kantha stocking and bags from Aarong.