This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and determine the associated factors of abdominal obesity among Bangladeshi adults (18–69 years) using the ‘Bangladesh STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) survey 2018’ data. Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist-hip ratio of >0.90 for males and >0.85 for females. Multivariable log-binomial regression and logistic regression were conducted to investigate associated factors and were reported with an adjusted prevalence ratio (APR), adjusted odds ratio (AOR), and a 95% confidence interval (CI). The overall prevalence of abdominal obesity was 42.5%. Individuals aged 30–49 years and 50–69 years, with high educational attainment, being ever married, being overweight/obese, and residing in Barisal, Khulna, Rangpur, and Sylhet division were associated with both higher prevalence and higher odds of abdominal obesity. Females had 50% lower odds of being abdominally obese than male participants. Both urban residents and those with low physical activity had 20% higher odds of having abdominal obesity compared to rural residents and those with adequate physical activity, respectively. High risk groups should be targeted for the prevention and control of abdominal obesity. Multisectoral interventions should be launched by targeting the at-risk population for the underweight and overweight/obesity prevention programs irrespective of work status or place of residence. • The overall prevalence of abdominal obesity was 42.5%. • Females had 50% lower odds of being abdominally obese than male participants. • Older age, with high educational attainment, being ever married were some of the risk factors of abdominal obesity.