DHAKA, Dec 22: Awami League president Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajib Wajed Joy, arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning amid media speculations that the 33-year-old, presently settled in the United States, will join Bangladesh politics.

Thousands of supporters of the opposition Awami League and its front organizations accorded a rousing reception to Sajib Wajed Joy, son of the AL president, Sheikh Hasina, as he arrived at the Zia International Airport.

They stood along the road from Zia International Airport to Sudha Sadan in Dhanmondi, the residence of Joy's parents, to greet Joy and his American wife Christine in the morning.

Bands played welcoming music, and the opposition activists carried banners and portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina and Joy. "The country is passing through a bad time now and I think there is no democracy here,? Joy told journalists at the airport.

"I would help my mother restore democracy in the country.? Joy has so far not made any clear indication that he wants to join Bangladesh politics, only saying he will if the people want him to.

"I have not decided yet,? he said on Wednesday. "I have come here this time to introduce my wife to my motherland.? He added that he would do whatever the nation needs for its betterment and hoped that the "prevailing situation will improve someday".

Born in Dhaka in 1971, Joy received his bachelor's degree from India, master's in the US and later engaged in research in computer science there. Joy's wife, Christine, a US national, said it was an exciting experience to be here.

She said she had read a lot on politics and liked American politics. She told reporters she had no objection if Sajib joins Bangladesh politics. "I'll support him if Joy (Sajib) joins politics.?

About Joy's joining politics, Hasina said it was his choice. Hasina, a former prime minister, and father Wajed Mia, a scientist, received the couple, hugging and kissing them at the VIP lounge of the airport.

An emotion-choked Hasina welcomed her daughter-in-law by presenting her several gold bangles and helping her to put them on, as per the Bangladeshi tradition to receive a bride. She sought the blessing of the Almighty for the couple.

Senior leaders of the Awami League also crowded the lounge amid tight security inside and outside the airport. Outside the airport, thousands of supporters of the Awami League and its front organisations shouted slogans welcoming Sajib.

Joy and Christine stood on an open-roofed jeep, waiving to the crowd, while the party workers showered petals on the couple throughout the route. The motorcade took almost three hours to reach Sudha Sadan.