Bangkok blast: Thailand asks Interpol to seek Bangladesh help

Bangkok English daily The Nation reports today that Thai police have asked Dhaka's help through Interpol to locate the mastermind behind the fatal bomb blast after investigations indicated that ‘he might have fled to this South Asian country. 

Thai Designated police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda said that the information about the possible whereabouts of Abu Dustar Abdulrahman or Izan, a Chinese national, had been confirmed through evidence and testimony from witnesses.

"We have already asked Interpol to inform Bangladesh about the latest development concerning the mastermind behind the bomb blast at the Erawan Shrine," said Chakthip who will become police chief next month.

A Reuters report today says Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque told the agency he was unaware of the new development.

Assistant Inspector General (Media) Nazrul Islam told The Daily Star that he could not immediately confirm if any help was sought through Interpol. “Whenever any cooperation is sought from Interpol we take it seriously and take legal action

Being informed about The Nation report, Director Intelligence wing of Rab Lt Col Abul Kalam Azad told The Daily Star, “We will take the matter seriously and will obviously look into it.”

At least 20 people were killed and over 100 injured in the bomb blast at Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok on August 17 and the next day a second bomb went off near Sathorn Pier, but no casualty was reported.

Thai authorities have arrested two suspects in this connection so far. The arrestees were identified as Mieraili Yusufu, a Chinese national, and Adem Karadag, who carried a fake Turkish passport.