The 26th National Film Awards were presented by the Ministry of Information, Bangladesh, to felicitate the best of Bangladeshi cinema released in the year 2001. The Bangladesh National Film Awards is a film award ceremony in Bangladesh established in 1975 by the government of Bangladesh. Every year, a national panel appointed by the government selects the winning entry, and the award ceremony is held in Dhaka. The ceremony took place at Osmany Memorial Hall, Dhaka, and awards were distributed by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Additionally, Information Minister Tariqul Islam attended the function as the special guest that evening.
A 12-member jury board headed by former secretary A H Mofazzal Karim recommended a total of 21 artists to be awarded for 2001. No award was given in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category.