The Adviser for Home Affairs, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, said there is no “magic wand” or on–off switch to instantly stop killings. If such a solution existed, he would have used it, he told reporters after a meeting of the law-and-order advisory committee at the Secretariat on Monday.

Responding to a question about the recent murder of a freedom fighter and his wife in Rangpur, and whether such incidents ahead of the election concern him, he noted that these crimes are not new and have occurred before election periods as well.

He added that it would be unrealistic to claim all such incidents will stop before the polls. “If I had some magic or a switch to turn off killings, I would have done it. But I don’t,” he said.

The adviser mentioned that the couple killed in Rangpur had two sons serving in law-enforcement agencies—one in the police and the other in RAB. He said instructions have been given to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

He also stated that every polling center has been instructed to ensure electricity on election day, with backup arrangements where necessary.

On election preparations, he said training for security forces is progressing well and will be completed by January. “We are taking all necessary steps for a free, fair, and festive election,” he noted.

Addressing public skepticism about the polls, he remarked that the media also has a role in building trust. He added that the authorities are moving to introduce body cameras for election duties.