MAGURA, Aug 1 (UNB): Seventy six officials and employees of the 100-bed Sadar Hospital Saturday began fast-unto-death strike before local Civil Surgeon's office demanding payment of their arrears.

They began the strike at about 9:00 am to press home their demand for realisation of arrear salaries of 66 months and for shifting their service under revenue head.

The then government in 1997 under its 100-bed upgradation programme appointed seven doctors, eight nurses and 61 other staff under development head.

Salaries of the staff remained suspended ever since the project ended in June 1998.

The striking staff members said they have decided to go for the fast-unto-death strike after their demand went unheeded by the government.