MPhil thesis available for Tk5,500 from Nilkhet to online platforms

A complete, ready-made MPhil thesis is available for as little as Tk5,500. Posing as a customer, Asia Post found that several organized groups are actively marketing and selling theses and research papers both online and offline. These networks operate from areas such as Nilkhet, Gausul Azam Market, and Farmgate in the capital.

Social media platforms are flooded with advertisements promising, "Complete ready thesis in just 7 to 15 days, 100% guaranteed," "AI-free and fully human-written research papers," and "Affordable project and thesis support."

The practice is not limited to online platforms. Many students and researchers are reportedly purchasing copied, patched together, or AI-generated low-quality research papers in exchange for money and using them to obtain higher academic degrees, including master's, MPhil, and PhD qualifications.

Bargaining as a Customer

After spotting an advertisement on a Facebook page called "Research Paper BD," an Asia Post reporter contacted the page posing as a potential customer. The reporter inquired whether a ready-made MPhil thesis on a sociology topic was available.

The page administrator first asked whether only the research paper was needed or whether publication assistance was also required. After learning that only the paper was needed, the administrator requested the thesis topic.

The proposed title was:

"Socio-Economic Reintegration Challenge of Returnee Migrant Worker in Rural Bangladesh Post-Crisis."

The seller initially quoted Tk6,000 for the research paper. After negotiation, the price was reduced to Tk5,500.

According to the seller's conditions, half of the payment must be made in advance to confirm the order, while the remaining amount is payable upon delivery. The seller provided payment options through bKash, Nagad, Rocket, and a BRAC Bank account registered under the name Hasib Khan.

When contacted again after the reporter revealed his identity, Hasib Khan, the administrator of the Research Paper BD page, denied selling research papers outright.

"We only provide guidance and assistance for research work. We've been doing this for about a year. Nothing beyond that," he claimed.

A Growing Underground Market

Searching Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, or various Telegram groups reveals numerous pages and agencies openly advertising affordable research-writing services.

These businesses offer everything from undergraduate assignments and project reports to MPhil and PhD theses and research papers.

Offline, similar operations are active around Nilkhet, Gausul Azam Market, Farmgate, and other areas of Dhaka. Photocopy shops, computer service centers, and posters advertising thesis binding are commonly used to attract students and researchers.

Prices Reach Up to Tk50,000

Basic academic assignments start at around Tk500.

Depending on the subject, complexity, word count, and publication requirements, the cost can rise to Tk40,000-50,000.

These service providers claim their packages include:

Data analysis

Plagiarism removal

Formatting

Peer-review management

Customers are generally required to pay an advance before work begins, while the remaining amount is paid either after delivery or after publication in a journal.

How the Fraud Works

According to investigators, these operations rely on a well-organized network involving unethical researchers, graduates of reputed universities, freelancers, and tech-savvy young people. In some cases, dishonest teachers are also allegedly involved.

The fraud is mainly carried out through three methods.

First, AI tools such as ChatGPT are used to generate research papers quickly. The text is then rewritten using paraphrasing software so that university plagiarism detection systems struggle to identify copied content.

Second, data from previously approved theses are stolen, with only the year or study location changed before being presented as entirely new research.

Third, the groups reportedly maintain links with predatory journals or individuals who publish research papers in exchange for money, enabling low-quality papers to be published within a short period.

A Threat to Academic Integrity

Educationists and researchers strongly condemned these fraudulent practices, saying they undermine merit and damage the country's academic foundation.

Professor Dr. Mujibur Rahman of the Institute of Education and Research (IER) at the University of Dhaka told Asia Post:

"When students or researchers outsource their research work, it indicates a serious academic deficiency. If supervisors regularly monitored objectives, methodology, and sampling, such fraud would be difficult. In many cases, supervisors' negligence or lack of attention creates opportunities for this misconduct. It is disgraceful for both institutions and researchers."

He added:

"The buying and selling of research papers online not only lowers academic standards but also causes long-term harm to society and the state. When students acquire the title of researcher without learning anything themselves, it is nothing short of deception."

Another IER professor at the University of Dhaka, Dr. Mohammad Moninur Rashid, said:

"Paying someone to write research papers or assignments is completely unethical. Every academic contribution should reflect the student's or teacher's own intellectual effort. Presenting someone else's work as one's own violates copyright law and prevents students from developing genuine skills."

The Way Forward

Professor Mujibur Rahman emphasized the need for regular seminars and stronger monitoring systems at universities.

"Students must be held accountable at every stage of the research process. If supervisors and academic institutes enforce stricter oversight, such practices can be significantly reduced."

Dr. Moninur Rashid recommended informing students about academic misconduct and its consequences from the very beginning of their academic journey.

"Students should be clearly informed during orientation about the penalties for unethical academic practices. Those found guilty should receive counseling as well as appropriate disciplinary action under clear institutional guidelines. Universities must also ensure that these guidelines are properly enforced through regular monitoring."