Municipal corporation elections gel underway today with 37 municipalities vole on the first day amid widespread fear of violence during the staggered balloting after the government apparently turned down the Election Commission's (EC) plea for armydcployment.

As many as 117 municipal corporations in 50 districts will choose their new representatives during the five-day elections ending on May 10.

The fear of violence has been

further fuelled by a statement of an election observer, Brotee, yesterday that supporters of candidates in Bagerhat, Bogra and Barisal districts were heading toward confrontation.

Allegations are there that ministers and lawmakers are openly campaigning for the ruling alliance-backed candidates in Muktagachha, Trishal and Ulipur constituencies.

Canvassing officially ended 48 hours before the constituencies start voting today. The EC has also banned movement of motorcycle, auto-rickshaw, microbus and engine boats during the period.

Chief Election Commissioner MA Syed last week in a letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia asked for deployment of army in the constituencies. However, the government has not responded to the plea till yesterday evening.

Candidates from across the country also demanded army deployment on elections days to ensure free and fair polls.

Earlier on April 24, the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) at a law and order review meeting spotted 43 municipalities as vulnerable. But high government officials including home secretary, inspector general of police (IGP), divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police assured the meeting that things were running well in the polling areas.

Paramilitary BDR, police and ansars however will be deployed in the polling centres to keep law and order.