Principal Staff Officer (Bangladesh)

Principal Staff Officer, shortly abbreviated as PSO,is one of the most coveted position within the Bangladesh Armed Forces.

Traditionally, PSO is selected from Bangladesh Army. Appointment of Chief of Army Staff has a preference for Principal Staff Officer posting. Many past COAS served as Principal Staff Officer.

It is currently held by a three-star rank lieutenant general. The current PSO Lt. General Md Mahfuzur Rahman was appointed in February 2016.

Principal Staff Officer is the head of Armed Forces Division. He is assisted by a PS (acting PSO) & five departmental head each one star rank military officer from Bangladesh Armed Forces.

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Prime Minister he has the authority, direction and control over operational and administrative services on matter. He also as per government notification, performs the duties of a full-fledged Secretary with full administrative and financial authority as that of a Secretary in any other Division / Ministry .

The following table chronicles the appointees to the office Principal Staff Officer of the or its preceding positions since the formation of the division.