On arrival, Joy, grandson of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, said he has not yet taken a decision whether he will join politics. He however said he would assist his mother to work for the betterment of the country.

"The situation is very bad in the country….I don't think democracy exists here," Joy, a computer engineer, told a crowded press briefing at the airport lounge. "I hope the scenario must change and I like to contribute to the development of the country,"

Family members, relatives and hundreds of party leaders and workers gathered at the Zia International Airport (ZIA) to welcome the couple.

"I have no objection if Joy joins politics here. I've got interest in politics and studied politics a lot," said Christine, a US attorney, responding to the queries of journalists. "I am excited now to visit and learn about this country."

Although Joy lives abroad, Christine said, he always inquires about the situation in his motherland. This is the first visit of Christine since she got married to Joy in 2002.

Sheikh Hasina said it depends totally on his (Joy) interest whether he would join politics. "I will neither discourage nor encourage him."

"I am very happy today that my son has come to see his motherland along with his wife, I congratulate and bless them for every success," the opposition leader said.

Recalling the memory of Joy's birth, an emotional mother, Hasina, said: "It was the preparation period of the Liberation War in 1971 when Joy was in my womb. My parents named him 'Joy' before his birth."

Joy's grandparents --- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib and Fazilatunnisa Mujib -- hoped that the country would be free of Pakistani rule when Joy will be born, Hasina recalled.

Joy's cousin, 10-year-old Sheikh Fazila, daughter of AL lawmaker Sheikh Helal, garlanded Joy and his wife as they alighted from the aircraft at around 10:00am.

Sheikh Hasina kissed her daughter-in-law Christine and decorated her with gold bungles while Dr Wazed Mia embraced Joy with affection.

Hundreds of leaders and workers of Awami League, Chhatra League, Jubo League, Mohila Awami League and Sramik League lined up from the ZIA to Sudha Sadan in Dhanmondi, holding colourful banners and festoons to welcome the couple.

The jubilant people shouting welcome slogans showered petals on Joy and Christine while they were going home from the airport in a Pajero jeep. They waved to the cheering party workers and enthusiastic people on both sides of the road.

The colourfully decorated adjacent streets of Sudha Sadan wore a festive look with music, dance and welcoming slogans continued until afternoon.

AL top leaders Abdul Jalil MP, Tofail Ahmed, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim MP, Obaidul Quader, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Mohammad Hanif, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Sheikh Helal MP, Bahauddin Nasim, among others, were present at the airport.