"Bangladesh always believes in one China policy as we consider Taiwan as one of the provinces of China," he said refuting a report on establishment of Taiwanese official liaison office in Bangladesh published in a section of newspapers.

Talking to a group of journalists at his office, Morshed, however, said Taiwanese private sector businessmen are interested in promoting trade and business with Bangladesh. As a result, they might have set up any business office in cooperation with the country's private sector to enhance trade and business.

In this context, the foreign minister said the private sector businessmen are free to run business at home and abroad and they do not need permission of the government in setting up trade office anywhere.

"Many Chinese have been doing their business by setting up liaison offices here and the reported office of Taiwan could be one such initiative," he said.

Responding to a question on newspaper reports, Morshed said some quarters were trying to destroy the excellent friendly relationship between Bangladesh and China. "And the untrue and baseless report is nothing but a reflection of the heinous design", he said.

Regarding the referendum in Taiwan on March 20, he said Taiwan as a province of China cannot go for referendum without the consent of the Chinese government.

Referring to hartal called by some of the opposition parties in the county, he said it has created a serious adverse impact on the country's development process and it was a matter of great concern for foreign investors and development partners of the country.

The foreign minister also condemned the heinous attack on Prof Humayan Azad and said the government has been doing everything possible for his proper treatment.