Fisherman Nikhil Howlader alleged at a press conference on Saturday that he is forced to pay extortion money to local BNP leader Nazrul Islam Munshi in order to fish in the sea near Char Montaj in Patuakhali. Nikhil accused Nazrul and his associates of intimidation and threats to his life when he refused to pay. He claimed that his fishing trawler was seized as a result of his refusal. A video of Nikhil seeking justice from locals has since gone viral on social media. He further alleged that Nazrul’s group later returned to issue death threats. Nazrul has denied all accusations.