The acquittal of BNP Standing Committee member and lawmaker KM Obaidur Rahman has paved the way for his induction in the cabinet and Jatiya Party (JP) leader Shah Moazzem Hossain's joining the BNP, the sources mentioned.

Moreover, foreign posting of major Khairuzzaman, now an additional secretary in the foreign ministry, is likely to be confirmed as the court verdict yesterday also acquitted him.

"It is now a matter of time to include one in the cabinet, one in BNP and send another to a Bangladesh mission," said a senior BNP leader on condition of anonymity.

The BNP high command had earlier assured Obaidur Rahman that he would be made a minister if acquitted of charges in the jail killing case, party sources said

They also hinted at a possible reshuffle in the cabinet soon to include Obaid in it.

Several ministers and top leaders of the BNP congratulated Obaid on his acquittal.

Meanwhile, leaders of three factions of the JP led by HM Ershad, Anwar Hossain Monju and Naziur Rahman Manjur said they are not sure which faction Shah Moazzem now belongs to. Some sources however claimed he recently expressed his allegiance to the leadership of pro-government Bangladesh Jatiya Party led by Naziur.

Shah Moazzem Plans to join the BNP along with his followers and contest the next general election from Munshiganj-1 constituency. Although there is opposition within the BNP about his joining it, a section of the party leaders think he would be a suitable candidate for the Munshiganj-1 seat against Mahi B Chowdhury, MP, some sources said.

Khairuzzaman is likely to be appointed an ambassador.