This study explores the adaptability of the Zero Trust Architecture in Higher Education Institutions (ZTA-HEIs) in Bangladesh. The traditional perimeter based security systems are becoming ineffective largely as the cyber threads are intensifying globally (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency 2023,Rose et al. 2020,Yeoh et al. 2023). A proactive and adaptive defense model is provided by Zero Trust Architecture which is grounded in continuous verification as well as monitoring and least privilege principles. The institutional preparedness across awareness, technical, policy, and organizational dimension has been evaluated through this study by the Zero Trust Architecture Adoption Readiness Index (ZTA-RI) based on a quantitative approach. We have collected data from more than 400 participants including Students, Faculties, IT Personnel and Administrative Staffs across 15 public and private universities in Bangladesh. ZTA-RI = 0.63 was calculated which ensures a moderate overall readiness of Bangladeshi HEIs. This score (ZTA-RI = 0.63) provides with a strong conceptual and policy awareness and limited technical execution, a finding consistent with regional resource constraints (Islam and Abedin, Telematics and Informatics, 67, 101754 2022). A context-specific ZTA framework tailored for HEIs of Bangladesh providing with a diagnostic model for benchmarking cybersecurity maturity has been introduced by this research work. There is also a recommendation for policy, training and infrastructure strategies to facilitate national level adoption under University Grants Commission (UGC) (Muthaiyah and Lim, Computers & Security, 127, 103246 2023) and ICT Division. A key research gap in South Asian cybersecurity literature is addressed through the results of this study offering an evidence based foundation for Zero Trust policymaking and capacity development in academic networks.
