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infrastructure projects into operation, marking the end of years of delay and the beginning of a new phase in the country’s aviation expansion, according to CAAB officials.

A high official of CAAB told The Daily Star that the Japanese consortium has addressed Dhaka’s concerns by recalibrating its financial offer, particularly on service charges, operational control and revenue-sharing issues that had stalled earlier discussions.

Previously, on March 13, Japan and Bangladesh resumed the stalled talks.

The latest progress follows a series of segment-wise technical meetings, where both sides reviewed pricing and operational components in detail.

With revised pricing now on the table and high-level political engagement intensifying, officials say the process has entered its final stretch.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq yesterday briefed the outcomes of the technical meetings to Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the secretariat. “A final agreement is expected to be reached next week following the April 3 meeting,” a high official of CAAB said.

The third terminal has remained non-operational for years due to unresolved management and operational arrangements.

Industry insiders have widely criticised the delay, attributing it to policy indecision and rigid positions under the previous interim administration, which left a major national asset idle.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, after assuming office, directed authorities to resume negotiations with Japan immediately.

That directive led to the March 13 breakthrough meeting chaired by the foreign minister with attendance of civil aviation and tourism minister and state minister, where Bangladesh formally requested a revised proposal from the Japanese side.

The Japanese consortium -- comprising Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz Corporation and Narita International Airport Corporation -- has since submitted a revised offer with reduced pricing, significantly narrowing differences.

Officials said the new proposal created a pathway towards a “win–win” agreement.

Aviation experts say operationalising the facility is crucial for easing congestion at Dhaka airport and advancing Bangladesh’s ambition to emerge as a regional aviation hub in South and Southeast Asia.