Bangladesh, Aug. 5 -- Around 17-18 percent of Gazipur's factories have declared a three-day closure amid a severe gas crisis, sending thousands of workers home.

The shutdown, combined with Wednesday and Friday public holidays, triggered Eid-like crowds on the Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Tangail highways, with bus shortages, traffic jams and allegations of inflated fares.

Industrial Police Superintendent Md Amzad Hossain said workers began leaving after Tuesday's shifts, with heavy crowds continuing Wednesday morning.

Local buses were pressed into long-distance service, while many passengers turned to CNG-run and battery-powered autorickshaws.

Gazipur is one of Bangladesh's biggest industrial hubs, housing thousands of garment, textile...