Newly recruited employees of Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) yesterday began a fast-unto-death programme on the hospital premises demanding their salaries and outstanding dues.

They also organised a sit-in programme in front of the office of director of the hospital and chanted slogans in favour of their demands.

Modasser Kabir, president of the fourth class employee’s welfare association of SBMCH, presided over the programmes.

He said the employees are now passing miserable life. He blamed director of the hospital for creating the situation.

According to hospital sources, SBMCH authorities recruited 212 third and fourth class employees on December 12 in 2015. But the health ministry suspended the joining process of the newly recruited employees on January 18, 2016.  

Then the employees went to High Court against the decision of the ministry and court ordered in favour of the employees. Later, Supreme Court dismissed the appeal of the government against the order.

Acknowledging the facts, Dr Baqir Hussain, director of SBMCH, said that due to fund crisis they did not give salaries and other arrears of the newly recruited employees.

‘We have sent letters to the health ministry and directorate in this regard and after getting reply of the letters we’ll take necessary steps,’ the director added.