Elections in 60 municipalities today amid tensions.

Sixty municipalities across the country are going to the polls today in the second phase of staggered voting for elections to the local-government bodies, against a red rearview created by some clashes. Four people, all reportedly ruling-party supporters, have died in internecine clashes between the Awami League-nominated and rebel candidates. The deaths were reported from Chattogram and Jhenidah. Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader Friday assured the government would extend " all-out support" to the Election Commission (EC) in holding the second- phase municipality polls "in a peaceful and fair manner likewise the previous elections". 'The government will not interfere in the polls rather it will extend all-out support to the EC in holding it in a peaceful and fair manner,' he said at a regular press conference at his official residence on the parliament premises. About BNP general-secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's remarks that the people will not pardon the government for what he said "forcibly taking election results in favour", the minister said the people are giving their verdicts in polls in favour of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina again and again as the government is working for the people's welfare. "But BNP's all the programmes are against the state and the people," he added. The Election Commission (EC)...