The Jamia Alumni Network proudly recognises the outstanding leadership of our respected alumnus Raja Ali, Jamia 1986 batch, whose visionary role as Chair of the Portsmouth Bangladesh Business Association (PBBA) has been instrumental in building long term partnerships between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, with a strong economic and educational focus centred on Portsmouth and Sylhet.
Under Raja Ali’s leadership, PBBA spearheaded strategic collaboration with Portsmouth City Council and the University of Portsmouth to promote Bangladeshi culture, trade, business, and bilateral educational relationships. These efforts directly contributed to the historic Sister City Partnership between Portsmouth and Sylhet, formally established in 2019. This international link was created with economic development at its heart, alongside education, skills, and institutional cooperation.
As part of this landmark initiative, the Leader of Portsmouth City Council visited Sylhet in 2019, with the visit focused on establishing long term economic development and educational links. The programme included high level meetings with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries, the Bangladesh Education Ministry, Commerce Ministry, the Port Authority, and the Navy, culminating in the formal signing of the Sister City Agreement.
To sustain and grow this strategic relationship, a dedicated development group was established, bringing together the Portsmouth Bangladesh Business Association, International Port of Portsmouth, and Portico, ensuring coordinated delivery across trade, logistics, enterprise, and investment.
The partnership has also generated major academic impact. The University of Portsmouth identified strong potential in the Bangladeshi market and established the International College Portsmouth in Bangladesh. This initiative enables Bangladeshi students to progress directly towards a University of Portsmouth degree, significantly widening access to UK higher education.
This powerful programme of collaboration was nationally recognised on 21 July 2021, when the University of Portsmouth received a Silver Award at the HEIST Awards, for its outstanding work connecting with Portsmouth’s large Bangladeshi community and promoting the city globally. Judges praised the programme for its community powered approach, strategic planning, and exceptional return on investment.
Within just two years, tangible outcomes included the growth of Bangladeshi students at the university from 22 to 420, the establishment of formal working partnerships with PBBA to support businesses, students, and residents, ministerial visits from Bangladesh to Portsmouth, a major trade mission from Portsmouth to Bangladesh, and the deepening of academic collaboration through projects on marine and environmental issues via the University’s Centre for Blue Governance, alongside partnerships with Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and North South University.
PBBA continues to operate as a not for profit organisation, working closely with Portsmouth City Council, the University of Portsmouth, and strategic partners to promote Portsmouth as a thriving destination for business, education, and global investment.
For the Jamia community, the leadership of Raja Ali stands as a remarkable example of how a Jamian can honour heritage, empower diaspora communities, and build enduring international bridges between cities, institutions, and nations. The Jamia Alumni Network extends its deepest appreciation and congratulations for this historic contribution.
রাজা আলী, ১৯৮৬ ব্যাচ, পোর্টসমাউথ
Sources: Twinning – Portsmouth City Council
University wins award for best community initiative – University of Portsmouth
Twin Cities – Visit Portsmouth
UK’s Portsmouth twins itself with sister city Sylhet – Bangla Tribune
