It is given in honour of a film director who has exhibited excellence directing in Bangladeshi cinema.

A. J. Mintu has received the most awards in this category with four, following Sheikh Niamat Ali three times.

2017 best director, producer & Screenplay writer Reazul Rezu.

As of the 2023 ceremony, Rubaiyat Hossain is the recent winner in this category for the film Shimu (2022).

The following individuals have won multiple Best Director awards: Shuchanda is a solo winner of this category in the 30th Bangladesh National Film Awards for the film Hajar Bachhor Dhore.