They staged demonstrations and abstained from work demanding their salaries but in vain.

They are forced to lead a sub-human life due to non-payment of salaries, Jagadananda Roy, Medical Officer (MO) of Magura Sadar Hospital told this correspondent.

Sources in Magura Civil Surgeon office told The Daily Star they were appointed in 1998 under a development project to upgrade the 50-bed Magura Sadar Hospital into a 100-bed one.

Following its upgradation they were recruited on June 28, 1998.

However, after expiry of the stipulated time of the project they faced irregularities in receiving their salaries.

The staffers got their salaries till May 2003 under revenue sector.

The Finance Ministry stopped allocation of fund in this project.

However, employees appointed under the same project at different hospitals in the country are still getting their salaries, according to victims.

A staffer of Magura Sadar Hospital preferring anonymity told this correspondent, 'Staffers in Meherpur, Feni and Cox's Bazar hospitals under the same project are getting their salaries regularly'.

On contact, Magura Civil Surgeon Md Fariduddin Ahmed said he had informed the matter to the higher authorities. Salary disbursement might begin after clearance of the Establishment Ministry, he added.