Thousands of industrial workers are heading to their village homes for a four-day break caused by a public holiday, upcoming weekend, and a severe gas and electricity crisis.
The mass departure led to a massive surge of passengers in Chandra area of Dhaka-Tangail highway on Wednesday morning.
Transport officials reported that the pressure of home-bound people began on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in slow traffic for several kilometres by the evening. The situation became even more intense on Wednesday morning.
According to Industrial Police, the acute gas crisis has forced approximately 20 per cent of industrial units in Gazipur to shut down for four days.
These affected businesses are primarily in the readymade garment (RMG), textile, knitting, dyeing, and washing sectors. Many other factories have decided to run on a limited scale until the gas supply returns to normal, making it easier for workers to obtain leave.
Taking advantage of the situation, many workers and employees from various private organisations combined July Uprising Day on Wednesday with Friday as weekly holiday by taking optional leave on Thursday.
However, the rush has left many passengers stranded for hours due to a shortage of vehicles. Travellers have alleged that some bus counters and transport operators are exploiting the demand by charging double or even triple the standard fares.
Anwar Hossain, a passenger waiting at Chandra bus stand, described the scene as being like the rush during Eid.
He noted that he had received four days of leave but found a “sea of people,” scarce buses, and much higher fares than usual.
Sumaiya, an RMG worker, expressed that getting a few days off to spend with family felt like the “joy of Eid”.
Jafar Ali Khan, officer-in-charge (OC) of Naojor Highway Police Station, mentioned that no formal complaints regarding overcharging have been lodged yet.
He assured that legal action would be taken against bus counters and transport owners if such allegations were proven.
