Siddiqur Rahman Manna, APS to the mayor, has been relieved of his duty, said an office order issued by the establishment section of the DCC yesterday.

The order, effective from yesterday, was issued at the instruction of the mayor.

A political appointee, Manna was appointed as APS to the mayor on May 19, 2002. He is also the assistant publicity secretary of city BNP.

Highly placed sources said Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka became displeased with him following press reports regarding Manna's widespread corruption and family scandals.

DCC and BNP sources alleged that Manna has become the owner of expensive apartments in the city's posh areas as well as landed property and shops within a span of two years.