Background <p>Emotional intelligence (EI) is the capacity to understand and control one’s own and others’ feelings. Personality traits may influence EI. However, the prevalence and determinants of EI were not examined in Bangladeshi university students. The primary objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of EI and its relationship with personality traits among university students in Bangladesh.</p> Method <p>This cross-sectional study comprises 696 samples recruited by a multistage random sampling technique. The Bangla-adapted Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory&#xa0;(TIPI) were used to measure university students' emotional intelligence and personality traits. Frequency distribution, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression models were used to determine the prevalence of EI and significant predictors.</p> Results <p>Among 696 participants, 33.6% were males and 66.4% were females, with a mean age of 22.19 ± 2.78&#xa0;years, ranging from 17 to 27&#xa0;years. Firstly, we found that the prevalence of high emotional intelligence was 71.1%. Secondly, the partially adjusted model suggested that gender, the father’s occupation, father’s education were significant determinants of EI. Finally, a fully adjusted model suggested that, along with three determinants, two personality traits (conscientiousness and emotional stability) were also significant determinants of the EI of university students in Bangladesh.</p> Conclusions <p>71.1% of students had high EI in this study. Personality factors and father’s occupation, and father’s education influence the EI of university students. However, university authorities may consider these findings to boost the EI of university students.</p>