What documents are required for tourism/visiting-relative visa for a bangladeshi passport holder?

I have been working in China at a university. My brother-in-law wants to visit me in China. He went to China embassy in Bangladesh with 'application form, invitation letter, passport and its copy and bank statement. His application was not accepted. My brother-in-law wrote me as follows:
"Today I went to china Embassy. Embassy has changed the processing system recently. For tourist or family visit visa, now embassy sends applicants to the agents where they charge TK25000 per person for processing. Embassy advised me for original copy of invitation letter approved by local govt of china. Then they will try for it. If possible please send the original copy of invitation letter approved by local govt of china, otherwise I have to pay above amount per person for processing."
Is it plausible?