Visiting director of Voice of America David S Jackson, on the first day of his three day visit to Bangladesh, spoke at the National Press Club. He applauded the media in the country for its work despite the risks. Mr. Jackson said "Democracy is not supposed to be practiced through violence and threat." Regarding the Presidential election in USA, Mr. Jackson said that 9/11 left an impact on people and that terrorism and Iraq are election issues. President of the Press Club Reazuddin Ahmed and VOA's Bangla service chief Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury also spoke at the event.