Bangladesh sniffed a historic series victory  on South African soil thanks to a gem of fast bowling of Taskin Ahmed.    The pace spearhead claimed 5-35 from nine overs as the Tigers wrapped up  South Africa innings for just 154 in 37 overs in the third and final ODI  today at SuperSport Park in Centurion.     At the same ground, Bangladesh won the first game by 38 runs, which was  their first victory here. South Africa bounced back with a seven-wicket  victory in the second game in Johannesburg.    Despite losing the second game, Bangladesh turned up high on confidence  that showed in their body language too.     Shakib Al Hasan grabbed 2-24 while Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz  took one wicket apiece.    South Africa made a good start indeed after electing to bat first with  Janneman Malan showing the way.    Offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz gave the breakthrough, taking the wicket of  Quinton de Kock as South Africa reached 46 in just seventh over.    But the wicket of de Kock who hastened South Africa's victory with 41  ball-62 in the second ODI, motivated Bangladesh to an uncanny degree.    Taskin Ahmed then came up with a sensational bowling that sliced South  African top order in no time. He began with Kyle Verreynne (9), undoing him  with an extra bounce and then dismissed Malan with a short delivery.    Before being dismissed, Malan top-scored for the side with 39.     Left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan then got into act with the wicket of  skipper Temba Bavuma who made just 2. Fast bowler Shoriful Islam, who had a  disastrous first spell, courtesy to Malan, came back with bang to take the  wicket of inform Rassie van der Dussen as South Africa were five down before  crossing 100.    David Miller and Dwaine Pretorius were strangled but somehow managed to  stay in the crease to help the side go past 100.    Taskin then back again and removed both of them. Miller scored 16 and  Pretorius made 20.    Taskin completed his second five-for, getting rid of Kagiso Rabada for 4.  But the unexpected resistance came from Keshav Maharaj, who calmly took South  Africa past 150.    He struck 28 before being trapped run out as last batter. Meantime Shakib  took the wicket of lungi Ngidi who accompanied Maharaj for crucial 18-run for  the ninth wicket even though he couldn't score, facing 14 balls.  Source: BSS AH

The inimical forces who are trying to sully the image of India as a pluralist country are using the ongoing Hijab row in Karnataka to blow it out of proportion.   Asian Lite International said that many people in the world do not exactly know what the Indian nation and culture stand for and it is an exemplary democracy despite being one of the most diverse countries in the world.   In India, various communities belonging to different cultures, religions and tribes with different faiths, languages, cuisine and dressing sense live peacefully and amicably.   India has given space to diversity and nurtured it through the ages and promoted cultural exchanges and intermingling while allowing them to maintain their uniqueness.   Moreover, the constitutional ideals of India are based on the principles of freedom, justice, equality and modernization. It made space for great religions of the world, some of which originated in India such as Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and above all Islam. Rather than fighting a religious war, Indian society preferred mutual co-existence and assimilation among religions and cultures.   The decision of a college about dress code prohibiting Hijab is not intended to interfere with the faith of the Muslim community. It should be seen as part of efforts to “make a cohesive nation” through bigger and more creative platforms like colleges and schools, reported Asian Lite International.   The educational institutions seek to create “commonality” through similar dress, syllabus and equal opportunities including extra-curricular activities. Colleges and schools try to develop a collective choice amid the diversity and pluralism of India, and that, without any use of force. The scarf or Hijab controversies have been cropping up more often in recent times because it is believed that some people are trying to radicalize Muslims in general and girls in particular for their own dividing game.   The idea of using symbols like similar dress codes and syllabus along with an interdisciplinary approach in the educational institutions aims to avert the creation of enclaves among the student community, which impede the process of healthy and progressive exchanges and discourses. It also gives each student a sense of togetherness, equality and belongingness to the institution and society, reported Asian Lite International.   Source: ANI

India at the UN said that it has been highlighting consistently the threats of terrorism in its neighborhood and noted that these security fears have been further exacerbated by the changed political situation in Afghanistan, highlighting the concerns posed by the Haqqani Network which has worked closely with Al-Qaeda and ISIL-K. "We have been highlighting consistently the threat of terrorism in our neighborhood. These security fears have been further exacerbated by the changed political situation in Afghanistan. The report of the monitoring team is concerning as it highlights that Afghanistan has the potential to become a safe haven for Al-Qaeda and a number of terror groups," said India's Permanent Representative to the UN on Wednesday during the UNSC Briefing on 'Threat to International Peace & Security Caused by Terrorist Acts'. "The 14th report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL (Da'esh) to international peace and security report also highlights near doubling of the strength of ISIL-Khorasan, following the Taliban's release of several thousand individuals from prisons. In his 12th report, SG had highlighted that Shahab al-Muhajir, the leader of ISIL-K as has maintained familial ties to the proscribed Haqqani Network as well. The report of the Taliban Sanctions Committee recognizes the continuation of links between the Taliban, especially through the Haqqani Network, and Al Qaida and other terrorist groups in our neighborhood," said the representative. He also said that it is essential to not lose sight of the ease with which the proscribed Haqqani Network, with support from their patron state, have worked along with prominent terrorist organizations like Al-Qaida, ISIL-K, etc. Source: The Economic Times

Amid the fast-approaching deadline of US drawdown from Afghanistan, the country has witnessed a surge in violence in the past few weeks due to the Taliban offensive. Meanwhile, Taliban families are living in Pakistan. Confirming the information, Pakistan’s interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said, Taliban families reside in his country, including in the capital city of Islamabad. Also, they are receiving medical treatments in Pakistani hospitals, he added. "Taliban families live here--in Pakistan, in Rawat, Loi Ber, Bara Kahuh and Tarnol," Rashid told the Urdu-language network in Pakistan citing the names of Islamabad suburbs. "Sometimes their dead bodies arrive and sometimes they come here in hospitals to get medical treatment," he said. Although, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi earlier this month had denied the presence of Taliban sanctuaries in Pakistan. He had said that the terrorist group's leaders "are in Afghanistan." Moreover, he denied the existence of such institutions in Pakistan and said he "has been hearing of these terms for now decades." In an exclusive interview to TOLO News, Qureshi had said, "If you try and create this impression that the violence is high because of Taliban, again, that would be an exaggeration. Why do I say that? Aren't there other elements over there who are playing the role of a spoiler?" Asked whether Taliban are "funded in Pakistan", Qureshi said: "These are very--those many things that have been going on for years. You're stuck in the old groove. Get of out that groove, please. Get out of that groove. Now, listen, if you remain stuck in this, believe me, you will not be able to travel far. And we want you to travel far. We want reconciliation and peace." Islamabad continues to deny any kind of liaison between Taliban and Pakistan. Despite,   Islamabad has been accused of aiding the Taliban and using them as proxies for its own benefit. Source: ANI BM

Awami League Joint General Secretary and Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today (Saturday) said the arrested Hefajat leaders admitted BNP-Jamaat’s active involvement and financing in the mayhem carried out on March 26-28 last. “Arrested Hefajat leaders started disclosing the truth. They have already admitted where and when the meetings were held and who funded,” he said while replying to reporters at his Minto Road residence in the capital. Earlier, the minister virtually inaugurated food aid distribution for 2000 low income group families at his home constituency of Rangunia in Chattogram under his personal initiative. Hasan said Indian newspaper the Economic Times and some Bangladeshi newspapers reported that BNP-Jamaat actively took part and financed in the countrywide mayhem carried out under the banner of Hefajat on March 26-28 in collaboration with Pakistani intelligence agency. He said attacks were carried out on houses and properties of innocent people, vehicles were torched, arson attack was carried out in land office, deeds and papers of general people were burnt, houses were set on fire, fire service office and railway station and police station came under attack. Ruination of heritages and antiques and even attacks on temples of other religions are not merely stray incidents, he said. The minister said as part of a big conspiracy, the anarchy was created in the country targeting to oust the government and BNP-Jamaat completely extended support and funded in the incident while Pakistani spy agency also financed. So, those who were involved with the anarchy and who extended support will not be spared by any means, he said. Earlier, in his address during the inauguration of food aid distribution, Hasan called upon the leaders and workers of his party and associate bodies in his constituency to come forward to stand by the day-laborers, boatmen, rickshaw and van pullers, working class and low income group people during the coronavirus crisis. He also asked the party men to continue their support to farmers in cutting paddy following the directives of Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina. Under the initiative of the minister’s familial institution NNK Foundation, 2000 low-income families of Pomra, Hosnabad, Mariamnagar, Chandraghona and municipality areas under Rangunia upazila were given food aid. NNK Foundation Director Khaled Mahmud, Chattogram District North unit AL Religious Affairs Secretary and Rangunia Municipality Mayor Md Shahjahan Sikder, Organizing Secretary Nazrul Islam Talukder, NNK Foundation’s Abdur Rahman Master, Jasim Uddin Talukder, Emrul Karim Rashed and Upazila Jubo League President Shamsuddoha Sikder Arju were present, among others, on the occasion at Rangunia end. The minister said the aid distribution will continue during the coronavirus crisis. Source: BSS AH

One more person named Rasel (34) died in connection with the air conditions blast at a mosque at Paschim Talla area under Narayanganj. With this death the toll has climbed to 12. Dhaka Medical College Hospital police camp in charge Inspector Bachchu Mia confirmed the information at around 11 am on Saturday. The deceased are: Muajjin Delwar Hossain (48), Humayun Kabir (70), Ibrahim (43), Junaed (17), Jamal (40), Jubayer (7), Rifat (18), Mostafa Kamal (34), JUbayer (18), Sabbir (21), Rasel (34) and Kuddus Bepari (72). Mentionable, an incident of air condition blast occurred at the Baitus Salat Jame Mosque at Fatullah Paschim Talla area under Narayanganj district at around 8:45 pm on Friday. More than 40 people were injured in the blast and of them 37 burnt people were admitted at Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in the capital. AH 

Two days after a deadly train crash in Brahmanbaria, three compartments of another train, Rangpur Express, caught fire after derailment in Ullapara under Sirajganj district on Thursday noon, snapping rail links between Dhaka and northern districts. Rafiqul Islam, Stationmaster of Ullapara Railway Station, said six bogies and the locomotive of the train derailed near Ullapara railway station around 2:30pm. Later, three of those caught fire immediately, he said, adding that the reason behind the fire could not be known yet. Rafiq said a salvage train from Pakshi is on the way to Ullapara to rescue the bogies and restore the train services on the route. Earlier on Tuesday, at least 16 passengers were killed and over 100 others injured in a collision of two trains at Mandbagh in Brahmanbaria. The deadly collision between Dhaka-bound Turnanishita from Chattogram and Chattogram-bound Udayan Express from Sylhet took place around 3 am. Source: UNB AH