The project was taken in July 1994 by the Ministry for Cultural Affairs to improve theatre activities in the country.

The 27 men were recruited in two phases from March 2004. Four of them were appointed when the project was initiated and the rest three months before the completion of the first phase.

"The employees in question did not get their salaries as the first phase of the project officially ended in July 2004," said Maniruzzaman Manir, director of the Drama and Film Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the supervising authority of the project.

Following the end of the first phase, an initiative was reportedly taken last year to bring the 27 under the revenue board but that file has been lying with the finance ministry for several months. The establishment ministry however, approved the move.

Apart from the employees, nine security and cleaning staff who are working on a daily basis at the project, did not receive their wages since July.

"After the approval from the finance ministry the file will be forwarded to the board of secretaries. As soon as the board approves the files, all employees and workers will get their salary and wages," assured Manir.

Project director and director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Ahmed Nazir informed that the workers were given some money on April 1 this year considering their hardship. "Whenever they get their wages, that payment will be adjusted."

The employees of the National Theatre Stage meanwhile, said that they were leading a miserable life.

"Drama is our passion and that is why we are still working. But we are living on loans," said one of them.

The technical hands are suffering the most. "We live in messes and are in constant fear of being kicked out as we are unable to pay the rent" said a technician.