"I have not yet decided, but I am still thinking about the matter. My mother is now at the helm of politics and I am by her side," he told reporters at the National Memorial at Savar, which he visited along with his wife Christine amid a tight police escort.

They placed wreaths at the National Memorial in honour of the martyrs of the War of Independence.

Replying to a query about the widespread speculation that he would join politics soon, Joy said, "I will do everything for establishing democracy and the ideals of my maternal grandfather (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman)."

Joy and his US-born wife made the visit yesterday after cancellation of their tours of Tungipara and Rangpur, the homes of Joy's maternal and paternal grandfathers, on security reasons.

A large number of leaders and activists of local Awami League and its front organisations gathered on the National Memorial premises to welcome the couple.

Senior leaders of Awami Jubo League, Chhatra League, Krishok League, Sechchashebak League and Jubo Mahila League accompanied Joy and his wife during the visit.

Later, the couple visited the Centre for Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Savar and exchanged New Year's greetings with the physically challenged. Centre's Co-ordinator Valerie Taylor welcomed Joy and Christine.