Dhaka, July 18 (IANS): An image of a man using the Bangladesh national flag as a prayer rug has sparked criticism on Facebook and other social media platforms, a media report said on Saturday.

It was not clear where the photo was taken but some assumed that it was taken at Chittagong's Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium during the third one-day between Bangladesh and South Africa on Tuesday, bdnews24 reported.

A person named Shorodindu Chakrabarty shared the photo on Facebook.

"The national flag has been turned into 'Jainamaz' (prayer rug). The flag's stature has been enhanced! What do you say, brothers" he wrote.

The photo was later shared by many.

Journalist Supriti Dhar wrote: "The national flag is on the floor, used as Jainamaz... I am cheesed off to see someone stepping over it."

"It's nothing but (one's) greed for getting unlimited number of 'hurs' (maidens in heaven)!!! I don't know what else to do other than hating them," another person commented.

Liberation War museum trustee Akku Chowdhury wrote: "Very sad to see the Islamic State mindset is setting in... This was not necessary but an intentional challenge to our sentiment... Never thought I would see this in my lifetime."

Many, however, did not find anything wrong about it.

They argued that there was no problem as both the national flag and the "Jainamaz" were 'holy'.

Bangladesh Flag Rules specify guidelines for the use of the national flag. The violation of the rules is punishable.