Finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam emphasized on Monday that it is impossible to give any assurances about a decrease in commodity prices. He stated that various factors like economic policy, monetary policy, and the international market situation play a significant role in determining market prices. The adviser clarified his previous statement, mentioning that the media had only partially quoted him regarding the current market scenario. He discussed the complexities of market fluctuations and referenced Shayesta Khan to illustrate his point. Islam acknowledged that while the allusion was not explained inaccurately, it was presented incompletely in the published report. I wanted to emphasize the importance of addressing related issues in any economic situation. It is not realistic to anticipate a decrease in market prices. We are working diligently to control prices through various measures, such as removing import duties on food items, reducing production costs by lowering ingredient prices, and cutting corporate taxes. Despite these efforts, prices remain high due to the global market conditions, according to the adviser, Mirza Aziz. The government has started three different welfare projects to address the situation. These include the implementation of 100-day work programs for rural residents, offering pregnancy allowances, and providing stipends to male students. According to the adviser, these projects will help families improve their purchasing power. Regarding the increase in fuel prices, he mentioned that the government will still need to provide a subsidy of Tk 10,000 crore to the energy sector. If prices had not been raised, the subsidy amount would have been Tk 17,000 crore. "The finance adviser stated that the increase is relatively small compared to prices in the global market. Mirza Aziz had previously conducted a meeting regarding the utilization of budget allocation to safeguard the country from the effects of climate change. The government has made the decision to establish a foundation or trust to distribute the Tk 300 crore earmarked for the 2008-09 fiscal year for this purpose. The board of trustees, however, will be restricted from spending more than two-thirds of the allocation. The remaining funds will be held in an account and any interest earned will be given to the trustees, who also have the option to seek foreign assistance if needed, according to the adviser." The initiative has received a favorable response from both the World Bank and UNDP, according to him. In addition, a steering committee will be established with members from various ministries.