"We can't take the offence lightly, as it involves image of the highest judiciary," Fazlul Karim, registrar of the SC, told the news agency, confirming the suspension order against Golam Rabbani.

The punitive action against the SC employee was taken on charge of violation of the National Flag Rule following newspaper reports along with photographs published yesterday that showed the national flag fluttering at half-mast in front of the chief justice's office on May 30.

The registrar also said a departmental inquiry committee has been formed to probe the matter.

According to the rule, there is no provision for hoisting the national flag at half-mast or atop marking the death or birth anniversary of any late president of Bangladesh.